From jsorozco at gmail.com  Wed Oct  2 02:10:27 2019
From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco)
Date: Tue, 1 Oct 2019 22:10:27 -0400
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Seeking Financial Aficionados
Message-ID: <00b501d578c6$8f592720$ae0b7560$@gmail.com>

Hello,

 

Before anything else, please forgive the high traffic on this list. It's
state convention season, and your poor inboxes are going to get slammed with
a few more messages than usual. I promise it's only in an effort to make the
weekend as awesome of an experience as possible.

 

As you read in Tracy's highlights last month, I'm going to be leading a
financial education seminar on Friday afternoon of the convention. Before I
finalize that agenda, I want to make sure I'm picking the collective brain
of the people in our affiliate who absolutely love all things financial
literacy. I'm not talking about the people who really want to start
budgeting and saving and just haven't gotten there yet. I'm talking about
the people who are already walking the walk and have the savvy to show it.
I'm looking for people who eagerly follow financial blogs and podcasts;
people who know the ins and outs about balancing credit cards and retirement
investments; people who appreciate and have already gotten well on their way
to establishing emergency funds; people who recognize their financial
weaknesses and know how to pursue intelligent shopping strategies; and most
important, people who can help explain some of these nuances in plain
language we can all appreciate. I don't want vague hypothetical examples or
dumb rhetoric about how if you set your mind to it, you really can become
wealthy. I'm all about tangible pointers people could reasonably start
exercising today, right now, which is why you'll be glad to know Mark Roane
and Sharon Soforenko will be a part of this powerful lineup.

 

Do you have what I need to put on one heck of an informative seminar? If so,
reply to this message. Let's talk about how you can lend a hand, and I'm not
just talking about the convention. If you've got that financial fire already
burning in your belly, we just might be able to do something about launching
some sort of a financial literacy initiative in the affiliate to help us all
get that much closer to financial independence.

 

To your success,

 

Joe Orozco

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From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Wed Oct  2 03:00:12 2019
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (tracy.soforenko at gmail.com)
Date: Tue, 1 Oct 2019 23:00:12 -0400
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] 2019 NFB of Virginia Convention Draft Agenda
Message-ID: <02ec01d578cd$82450d90$86cf28b0$@gmail.com>

Hi Virginia Federation Friends,

Please find below and attached a draft agenda for the 2019 National
Federation of the Blind of Virginia convention. We hope this agenda will
encourage you to act today to join us in Portsmouth . We will publish a
revised draft in a week or 2 after we adjust some room locations with the
hotel and lock in a final speaker or two.

Please make your reservations for the hotel and pre-register before October
8 to secure a room and obtain pre-registration pricing.

 

All convention details can be found at:

http://www.nfbv.org/convention/

 

Please find the agenda below:



 

Empowerment: Owning Your Future

61st ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION

 

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF VIRGINIA

Tracy Soforenko, President

 

Friday, November 1 - Sunday, November 3, 2019

 

Renaissance Portsmouth 

425 Water Street

Portsmouth, Virginia 23704

(757) 673-3000

 

Co-Hosted by The Tidewater and Peninsula Chapters OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION
OF THE BLIND OF VIRGINIA

Stewart Prost and Uricka Harrison, Presidents 

Our National Representative:

Ron Brown, Second Vice President, National Federation of the Blind 





Table of Contents


Table of Contents                                   2

The Federation Pledge                           4

Convention Registration & Information
4

Meal Functions                                      4

Door Prizes                                           5

Action Auction                                       5

Information Table                                  6

Childcare                                               6

Dog Relief Area                                     7

Assistive Listening Devices                   8

Hospitality Suite                                    8

Daylight Saving Time                            8

Thursday, October 31, 2019                   9

Friday, November 1, 2019                      9

General Session                                    9

Friday Afternoon Concurrent Seminars
12

Saturday, November 2, 2019                16

General Session                                  16

Saturday Afternoon Breakout Sessions
20

2019 Convention Banquet                   22

Sunday, November 3, 2019                  24

General Session                                  24

Dream Makers Circle                            27

Vehicle Donations                                 27

 




 


The Federation Pledge


"I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation
of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind;
to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its
Constitution." 

 


Convention Registration & Information


Convention registration and information will be held at the Portsmouth
Registration Desk, located on the 2nd Floor outside the Portsmouth
ballrooms. The cost of on-site registration is $25. Pre-registration packet
pick up and on-site registration will be open at the following times:

 

*	Thursday, October 31 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 
*	Friday, November 1 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.; from 12:00 PM to
1:00 PM, and  
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
*	Saturday, November 2 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to
2:00 p.m. 

 

Door prizes and auction items can be brought to the registration desk
beginning on Thursday evening. 

 


Meal Functions 


Tickets for all meal functions are available at the registration desk while
supplies last. The only way to ensure a ticket for meal functions is to
pre-register. 

 

Banquet: Banquet tickets may be purchased, while supplies last, onsite for
$37. Seating will be open, so come early to get seats together. Do not
forget to bring your ticket because tickets will be checked at the door.

 

Box Lunch: If you did not pre-register for a boxed lunch, tickets may be
purchased onsite, while supplies last, for $17.50. Box lunch tickets will be
sold for both Friday and Saturday and must be used for the specific day
purchased. In addition, a very limited number of student lunch tickets may
be available for those who did not pre-register for $8.  

 

Note: For more information about hotel, registration or meal functions,
please contact Joe Orozco at (202) 810-4023 or via email at
jsorozco at gmail.com

 


Door Prizes


Door prizes will be drawn periodically throughout convention sessions on
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and at the banquet. To be eligible for door
prizes, you must be registered for the convention and present in the room
when your name is called.

 


Action Auction


Throughout the convention we will be holding an Action Auction to raise
money for the affiliate. The auction will be great fun with many valuable
items up for bid. You will have a chance to preview auction items on Friday
afternoon in the exhibit area. For more information, contact Jacki Brown,
Chairperson and Auctioneer.

 


Information Table


If you need assistance from the NFB of Virginia (such as helping a blind
child get a strong education, getting access to blindness skills training,
learning to use NFB-NEWSLINER, or resolving an employment discrimination
problem), please go to the information table in the back of the Portsmouth 5
Ballroom. Additionally, if you have questions concerning accessing services
from the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, the
information table can be a resource for guidance. After the convention, a
member of the NFB of Virginia will contact you. In addition, if you would
like to sign up to receive any of our publications or would like to get
regular updates about our programs and legislative efforts, please also
visit the information table. The table will be open during the board
meeting, after the opening ceremonies on Friday, during General Session on
Saturday, and all morning on Sunday. For more information, please contact
Alex Castillo at (917) 532-7439.

 


Childcare


Childcare is available for infants through fifth graders whose parents are
registered for the convention. It is available throughout the day on Friday
and Saturday. Childcare is in the Jefferson Room, 1st Floor. We have
activities and games for the children. For more information, please contact
Uricka Harrison at (757) 349-9234.

 

Childcare is offered at the following times:

 

*	Session 1: Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
*	Session 2: Friday, 12:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. 
*	Session 3: Friday, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
*	Session 4: Saturday, 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
*	Session 5: Saturday, 12:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. 
*	Session 6: Saturday, 6:45 p.m. to one half hour after the banquet
ends 

 

Snacks will be provided during Sessions 1, 2, 4 and 5. Even though childcare
will be open and fully staffed during lunch on both Friday and Saturday,
lunch will not be provided. Parents should either pick their children up for
lunch at the end of Session 1 and Session 4 or provide a lunch for their
children in the childcare room. Also, dinner will not be provided on Friday
or Saturday evening. Parents should feed their children dinner prior to
bringing them to Session 6. The cost of childcare is $10 per family per
session. 

 


Dog Relief Area 


The Renaissance Hotel has designated a place for dog relief by proceeding
out the doors across from the front desk in the lobby of the hotel. The
designated place has a trash receptacle near the hotel entrance. Please do
not use the terrace on the 2nd floor for dog relief.

 


Assistive Listening Devices


A limited number of assistive listening devices are available during all
convention sessions and at the banquet. For an assistive listening device,
please go to the contact table located in the back of the hall during all
convention general sessions. A credit card or identification card is
required as a deposit for the equipment. 

 

 


Hospitality Suite


The Convention Hospitality Suite is the Commodore Room on the 2nd floor. The
Commodore Room is located just off the elevator bank, in the opposite
direction of all other conference rooms.

 


Daylight Saving Time


Don't forget to set your watches back one hour for the change that occurs
early Sunday morning. Smart phones, of course, should handle this change
automatically.

 

 




 


Thursday, October 31, 2019


 

6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Virginia Chapter Leadership Institute (CLI) Wrap Up
/ Ramp Up: Commodore Room; Joe Orozco and Domonique Lawless, Co-Chairs. By
invitation only. We are continuing the Virginia Chapter Leadership
Institute. This weekend's CLI event both completes year one and starts year
two.

 

7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Registration: Portsmouth Registration Desk.

 


Friday, November 1, 2019


 

8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Registration: Portsmouth Registration Desk.

 

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. NFB of Virginia Board of Directors Meeting and
Chapter Reports (Open to All): Portsmouth 5 Ballroom.

 


General Session


Portsmouth 5 Ballroom

 

10:00 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. Opening Ceremonies:

*	Call to Order - Tracy Soforenko, President, NFB of Virginia
*	Invocation - Cantor Wendi Fried, Congregation Beth El, Norfolk
Virginia
	
*	Presentation of the Colors 
*	Pledge of Allegiance 
*	Federation Pledge
*	Star Spangled Banner -Julie McGinnity, President, NFB Performing
Arts Division, Baltimore, Maryland
*	Welcome to Portsmouth, Mayor John Rowe, Portsmouth, Virginia
*	Greetings from Our Host Chapters - Stewart Prost, President,
Tidewater Chapter, Norfolk, Virginia and Uricka Harrison, President,
Peninsula Chapter, Newport News, Virginia
*	Convention Arrangements - Joe Orozco, Chairperson, Convention
Organization and Arrangements

 

10:20 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Introducing the Portsmouth Regatta. Christopher
Walker and Earl Everett, Fundraising Committee

 

10:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. Betting on Success: Reflections from Virginia's
2019 McDonald Fellows and Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship Fund Winners:

*	Moderator: Mary Durbin, Chairperson, McDonald Fellowship Committee,
and NFB of Virginia Liaison, Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship Fund Committee,
Virginia Beach, Virginia
*	Lois Fritz, Newport News, Virginia
*	Andrea Ortiz, Burke, Virginia
*	Kassahun Sahilu, Alexandria, Virginia
*	Yvette Williams, Newport News, Virginia

 

10:50 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Action Auction.

 

11:00 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. Cane, Punch, Choke, and Throw: Martial Arts and
Fitness as a Blind Person.

*	Alex Castillo, Potomac Chapter, Washington DC

 

11:10 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. Serving My Country - Building My Business. Jimmy
Cunningham, Vice President, Virginia Merchants Division and Vice Chair,
Virginia Business Opportunities for the Blind Board, Prince George,
Virginia. 

 

11:20 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. Action Auction.

 

11:25 a.m. to 11:35 a.m. Disability Partnership in Action. Colleen Miller,
Executive Director - Virginia Disability Law Center, Richmond Virginia.

 

11:35 a.m. to 11:50 p.m. Open Slot TBD.

 

11:50 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Announcements.

 

12:00 p.m. General Session Adjourns.

 

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Registration: Portsmouth Registration Desk.

 

12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. Box lunch pick-up: Portsmouth Foyer.

 

12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Exhibits: Portsmouth Foyer. Annette Carr, Exhibits
Coordinator.

 

12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Embracing Our Diversity: Empowering Our Community:
Portsmouth 4BallRoom. Evelyn Valdez- Coordinator

*	The National Federation of the Blind recognizes that our diversity
is a core strength. This lunch, featuring Jean Brown as our keynote, will
feature the stories from across the Virginia Federation Family and will
discuss ways we can make our community more inclusive and vibrant. 

 


Friday Afternoon Concurrent Seminars 


 

2:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Owning Your Finances Seminar - Joe Orozco, Chair,
Portsmouth 5 Ballroom. 

>From financial scams to strategic budgeting, from buying a home to building
your retirement fund. Come learn how to secure your financial future.

 

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Seniors Possibilities Fair - Nancy Yeager, President,
Seniors division, Portsmouth 1 and 2 Ballrooms. 

Have you stopped reading the newspaper or books, writing checks or other
correspondence, or completing other tasks that require vision?  If the
answer is yes to any of the above, join us to learn about low- or no-cost
solutions to these and other aspects of your daily life.  

 

4:00p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Resolutions Committee: Portsmouth 6 Ballroom, Deepa
Goraya, Chairperson. 

We encourage the participation of all members in setting Federation policy,
and the best way to influence policy is through resolutions. As a grass
roots organization, we serve our movement through collective action, and
such action begins with policy making and debate. Come help shape the
policies of the NFB of Virginia. 

 

5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Registration, Portsmouth Registration Desk.

 

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Public Meeting on DBVI Divisions, Programs and
Services: Portsmouth 5 Ballroom, Susan K. Davis, Policy and Training
Coordinator, Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired.

We are grateful that DBVI will hold a public meeting where attendees can ask
questions and speak with agency leadership. DBVI wants to hear from you so
come and share your thoughts and ideas on how DBVI can better meet the needs
of blind and low vision Virginians.  Let your voice be heard. 

 

5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. At-Large Chapter Meeting and Reception: Commodore
Room, Patrick Johnson, President.

 

6:30 p.m. to 7:30p.m. Student Dinner Party: Commodore Room, Elizabeth
Schoen, Coordinator, Virginia Association of Blind Students. 

Join the Virginia student division leaders and members for fellowship with
old and new friends to kick off the convention weekend. Open and free to all
students over the age of 14.

 

7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Convention Hospitality: Portsmouth 4 Ballroom. 

Hosted by the Tidewater and Peninsula Chapters, Stewart Prost and Uricka
Harrison, Presidents. All registered convention attendees are welcome to
join us for this fun evening of fellowship and hospitality featuring music
and fun. Don't forget your ticket provided with your registration to enter
this event. Mix, mingle, and network with Federation members and
distinguished guests, all while enjoying appetizers and a cash bar.

 

7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Student Meet & Greet, Kelly Jones, Coordinator,
Virginia Association of Blind Students, Portsmouth 6 Ballroom. 

If you are a student of any age, this evening item is for you! Think
interactive icebreakers, engaging discussion, and high energy programming
all in one session! Join students across the Commonwealth to share, learn,
and grow until late hours of the evening.

 

 

7:45 to 8:45 PM Friday Evening Cookie Social for Families of Blind Children 

Commodore Room, Beth Sellers, President, Virginia Parents of Blind Children 

Calling all blind kids ages 0-13, siblings and parents!  Join us for cookies
and drinks and a chance to meet other families from across the state.  Bring
any Braille or large print books your child no longer needs and pick up some
free books from our free Braille book exchange table.  (Email
bsellers31 at gmail.com with questions and any food allergies we need to be
aware of.)

 

 

9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Young Professional Reception, Susie D'Mello and
Evelyn Valdez, Coordinators, Commodore Room. 

Are you a young professional looking for something exciting to do on Friday
evening? Come mingle, make new connections, and enjoy a drink or two at the
Young Professionals reception in the commodore Room.

 

10:15 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. Scholarship Mixer: Commodore Room, Patrick Johnson,
Chairperson.

 




 


Saturday, November 2, 2019


 

8:00 a.m. to 10:00a.m. Registration: Portsmouth Registration Desk.

 


General Session


Portsmouth 5 Ballroom

 

9:00 a.m. Call to Order -Tracy Soforenko, President, NFB of Virginia.

 

9:00 a.m. to 9:05 a.m. Invocation - Reverend Chris Coleman, Assistant
Minister, Gethsemane Baptist Church, Peninsula Chapter, Hampton Virginia.

 

9:05 a.m. to 9:35 a.m. National Report - Ron Brown, Second Vice President,
National Federation of the Blind, Indianapolis, Indiana.

 

9:35 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. Action Auction.

 

9:40 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Blind Parents Get It Done.

*	Jessica Reed, Panel Moderator, Fredericksburg, Virginia
*	Yasiah Hurtado, Richmond, Virginia
*	Nikki Jeffords, Arlington, Virginia
*	Louise Walsh, Virginia Beach, Virginia

 

 

10:00 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. A Friend in Congress. The Honorable Robert "Bobby"
Scott, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd Congressional
District of Virginia.

 

10:10 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. Advocating for Our Children: Addressing Our Kid's
Needs. Beth Sellers, President, Virginia Organization of Parents of Blind
Children, Harrisonburg, Virginia.

 

10:20 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. Celebrating Our Members - Sandy Halverson, First
Vice President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia, Arlington,
Virginia.

 

10:40 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Open Doors and New Beginnings-The Future Really Is
Mine:  A Panel Discussion with Seniors Who Are Living the Lives They Want:
Melody Roane, Director, Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and
Vision Impaired, Moderator, Richmond Virginia

 

11:00 a.m. to 11:05 a.m. Introducing the 2019 NFB of Virginia James F.
Nelson, Jr. Scholarship Finalists. Patrick Johnson, Chairperson.

 

11:05 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. Rehabilitation Services for the Blind in Virginia.
Raymond Hopkins, Commissioner, Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired.

 

11:20 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. Announcements.

 

11:25 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Action Auction.

 

11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Presidential Report, Tracy Soforenko, President,
NFB of Virginia.

 

12:00 p.m. General Session Adjourns.

 

12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. Box Lunch Pickup: Portsmouth Foyer.

 

12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. 2019 Welcome Luncheon, Joanne Wilson and Jimmy
Morris, Co-Coordinators, Portsmouth 4 Ballroom. Whether you are a member who
wants to get more out of your membership, are a new member, or just want to
learn from others in this interactive lunch-based discussion session, the
Welcome Lunch is for you.

Learn more about the Federation and our positive philosophy on blindness,
understand how you can better tap the broad Federation network, and be
inspired to take ideas home from positive role models in our movement.

 

12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Seniors Division Luncheon and Business Meeting,
Portsmouth 7 and 8 Ballrooms. Nancy Yeager, President. Join other seniors
for lunch and conversation, followed by a short business meeting.

 

12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Virginia Association of Blind Merchants Division
Luncheon and Business Meeting: Portsmouth 6 Ballroom. Harold Wilson,
President. 

 

12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Virginia Parents of Blind Children Luncheon and
Business Meeting: Portsmouth 3 Ballroom. Beth Sellers, President. 

Grab the boxed lunch or bring your own, but please join us for our business
meeting and parents' lunch.  Our lunch hour is an informal roundtable
conversation for parents of children of all ages with low vision, blindness,
deaf-blindness, and multiple disabilities.  

 

 

12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Student Luncheon and Virginia Association of Blind
Students Business Meeting: Commodore Room. Gerald Meredith, President,
Virginia Association of Blind Students.

Student Lunch pick up will be held in the Commodore Room starting at 12:05
p.m. Students are the leaders of tomorrow. During our annual luncheon, our
members will elect the officers and board members for the upcoming year, as
well as reflect and brainstorm on the work of our statewide division.
Pre-register online for the $8 lunch by October 25.

 

 

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Registration, Portsmouth Registration Desk.

 

 

 


Saturday Afternoon Breakout Sessions 


 

2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Chapter Leadership University: Portsmouth 4 Ballroom,
Tracy Soforenko and Kathryn Webster, Coordinators.

Chapter Presidents, Treasurers, membership coordinators, and participants in
the chapter leadership institute will participate in a Saturday afternoon
workshop on how to make our chapters more engaging, welcoming, and dynamic.
Role play real life scenarios and bring home ideas that can be applied in
your chapter in 2020.

 

2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The ABCs of Life

Portsmouth 5 Ballroom, Nicky Jeffords, John Bailey, Martha Macias, and Rich
Sorey, Co-Coordinators. 

The ABCs of Life

A = Attitude, B = Breaking Down Barriers, C = Creating Connections

Come and learn about strategies necessary to earn, retain, and advance your
brand in the professional and personal spheres.  This interactive session
will provide you with tips and techniques to meet your full potential.

 

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Student Seminar: Surpassing Our Limitations.
Commodore Room, Gerald Meredith, Virginia Association of Blind Students,
President. 

Every blind student faces barriers; and every blind student overcomes
obstacles. But not every blind student has a nationwide network of role
models who conquered greatness given society's limitations. During this
seminar, you will be introduced to successful and ambitious blind
professionals and students, confident and independent throughout their
lives. This afternoon will afford all students with an opportunity to ask
questions, learn from others, and engage in hands-on activities to learn how
to excel in and out of the classroom.

 

2:00 p.m. to 4:30p.m. Parent Track: Encouraging Success in All Ages and
Stages. Portsmouth 3 Ballroom, Beth Sellers, President, Virginia Parents of
Blind Children. 

Join us as we dig into resources that are available in Virginia to promote
success for blind children and young adults in all stages of development.
Topics discussed will include IEPs, Transition, and Community Based Services
through DD Waiver. Question and Answer time will be available for topics
relevant to participants.

 

2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Senior Track: Seniors in Charge: Portsmouth 7 and 8
Ballrooms, Nancy Yeager, President. Our exciting senior seminar will cover a
broad range of topics including health and fitness, grocery shopping, new
mobile phone options specifically targeting seniors, how to use easy to use
reader services through a smartphone, programs of our national senior
division, and much more.

 

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Project RISE Open House for Virginia students and
parents: Portsmouth 6 Ballroom, Kathryn Webster, Project RISE Program
Coordinator. Learn more about Project RISE, meet our team and ask your
questions. 

 

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sighted Spouse/Significant Other/Partner Get
Together, Diane Bibb (wife of Dr. Patrick Johnson) and Sharon Soforenko
(wife of Affiliate President Tracy Soforenko) Coordinators, Commodore Room.

Come join us for an informal, candid and open conversation between sighted
partners of Virginia Federationists.  To encourage sharing, this meeting is
for sighted spouses only.

 


2019 Convention Banquet


 

Portsmouth 4 and 5 Ballrooms.

 

In Federation fashion, come dressed to impress as we celebrate our Banquet
on the Waterfront with a keynote address by National Representative Ron
Brown.

 

6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Pre-Banquet Reception (Cash Bar): Portsmouth Foyer.

 

7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Banquet Program - Charlie Brown, Master of
Ceremonies and Past President, NFB of Virginia:

*	Invocation-David Andrews, New Beginnings Outreach Center, Peninsula
Chapter, Hampden, Virginia.
*	2019 James F. Nelson Scholarship Awards Presentation-Patrick
Johnson, Scholarship Committee Chairperson, Christiansburg, Virginia
*	Banquet Address - Ron Brown, Second Vice President, National
Federation of the Blind
*	Portsmouth Regatta
*	Action Auction - Jacki Brown, Auctioneer

 




Sunday, November 3, 2019


 

8:00 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. Devotions: Portsmouth 6 ballroom.

Mark and Melody Roane, Coordinators

 


General Session


Portsmouth 5 Ballroom.

 

9:00 a.m. to 9:05 a.m. Invocation - Deborah Prost, Board Member, Tidewater
Chapter, Norfolk, Virginia. 

 

9:05 a.m. to 9:25 a.m. Be Your Own Boss.

Annette Carr, Moderator, Fairfax, Virginia

Have you ever considered if you have what it takes to be your own boss?
Make your own hours.  Answer to no one. Bring in the big bucks.  Hear what
this panel of entrepreneurs have to say about the myths and facts of being
your own boss.

 

9:25 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. Business Session:

*	Audit Committee Report-Sean McMahon, Chairperson
*	Treasurer's Report-Mark Roane, Treasurer
*	SUN Committee Report: Sandy Halverson, Chairperson
*	2020 Richmond and Washington Seminars-Deepa Goraya and Derek
Manners, Legislative Directors
*	2020 National Convention, June 30 - July 5, Hilton Americas Hotel,
Houston, Texas
*	2020 NFB of Virginia Convention, October 30 - November 1, Westin
Tyson's Corner, Falls church, Virginia
*	Resolutions-Deepa Goraya, Chairperson

 

10:10 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. Action Auction.

 

10:20 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Project RISE: Resilience, Independence,
Self-Advocacy, Employment. Kathryn Webster, Project RISE Program
Coordinator, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia, Arlington,
Virginia.

 

10:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. Breaking the Ropes: an interactive session on
owning your future, Joanne Wilson, Federation Leader, Alexandria, Virginia.
An interactive session to build your individual beliefs about blindness for
future growth. 

 

10:50 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Students are Paving the Path for Our Future - Sied
Rizvi, First Vice President, National Association of Blind Students, Austin,
Texas.

 

11:00 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. Interactive Town Hall Discussion with Ron Brown,
Second Vice President, National Federation of the Blind and Tracy Soforenko,
President.

 

11:40 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. Virginia Association of Blind Students Update,
Gerald Meredith, President.

 

11:50 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Reports and Announcements.

 

12:00 p.m. General Session Adjourns.

 

12:00 to 1:00 PM Student Lunch Pick Up - Commodore Room

 

Thank you to our Tidewater and Peninsula Chapters for hosting the 2019 NFB
of Virginia State Convention. Your hospitality made us feel like family and
made our convention a success.




Dream Makers Circle


 

You can help build a future of opportunity for the blind by becoming a
member of our Dream Makers Circle. Your legacy gift to the National
Federation of the Blind or the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia
can be made in the form of a will or living trust, an income generating
gift, or by naming us as the beneficiary of a retirement plan, IRA, pension,
or a life insurance policy. You can designate a specific amount, a
percentage, or list NFB as one of several beneficiaries. For additional
information, please contact Patti Chang at (410) 659-9314, extension 2422 or
at pchang at nfb.org.

 


Vehicle Donations


 

The National Federation of the Blind uses car donations to improve the
education of blind children, distribute free white canes, help veterans, and
so much more. We have partnered with Vehicles for Charity to process donated
vehicles. Please call toll-free (855) 659-9314, and a representative can
make arrangements, or you can donate online by visiting
<http://www.nfb.org/vehicledonations> www.nfb.org/vehicledonations.

 

 

 

 

 

Tracy Soforenko

President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

202 285-4595

 <mailto:Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com> Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com

 <http://www.nfb.org> www.nfb.org

 <http://www.nfbv.org> www.nfbv.org

National Federation of the Blind. Live the Life You Want

The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends
who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind. Every day we work
together to help blind people live the lives they want.

 

 

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From patrickjohnson1015 at gmail.com  Wed Oct  2 20:08:03 2019
From: patrickjohnson1015 at gmail.com (Patrick Johnson)
Date: Wed, 2 Oct 2019 16:08:03 -0400
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] At Large Chapter Conference Call, Tuesday October 8,
 at 8pm
Message-ID: <CANPxGVu0nZ4x4gr6pta=XWHTNgjzpuTgJ+MkU2JKRJoQ-Gu=9A@mail.gmail.com>

Greetings once again,

Date: Tuesday, October 8,
 Time: 8 PM
 Subjects:
* Planning for the state convention
* Discussion and nominations for the Vice President position
Conference call Phone No.:
877-394-5901
 Passcode:
6149670


Patrick Johnson, Chapter President



From jsorozco at gmail.com  Thu Oct  3 03:34:26 2019
From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco)
Date: Wed, 2 Oct 2019 23:34:26 -0400
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] The Vigilant: October 2019
Message-ID: <00cb01d5799b$75096760$5f1c3620$@gmail.com>


The Vigilant - October 2019


 


Joe Orozco, Editor


 


>From the President's Desk


 

The flurry of activity across the affiliate can only mean we are deep into
state convention planning. Thanks to the generous support from members from
all chapters, those plans are nearly final, and I am truly pleased with an
agenda I believe you will find invigorating.

 

By now everyone should have seen the special flyers targeting key highlights
for Seniors, Students, Parents, and working age adults. There will literally
be something for everyone, but to make it truly special, you need to join us
and invite some friends to come with you. We need you to help encourage
others to participate in this year's convention. The programming will be
thought-provoking, but your presence will make it memorable.

 


Membership Coins


 

At our 2019 National Federation of the Blind of Virginia convention, we will
be distributing membership coins to the individuals who are on the
membership list. We need to ensure that people who joined chapters in the
past 6 months are not forgotten. Chapters should work with Sandy Halverson
to get updated information into our New Member Form. Coins will be
distributed on Friday and we will do a special event on Saturday morning to
recognize our members. The membership coins are provided free to our members
and are a symbol of our efforts to come together to advance our cause for
freedom and independence.

 

Sandy can be reached via email at: sjh300 at outlook.com

 


Special Dietary Requests for Banquet


 

Speaking of Sandy, she is also our point person for special dietary requests
for the state banquet. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free requests will be
accommodated. Kosher meals should be shipped to the hotel to the attention
of the guest. Please notify Sandy no later than Friday, October 25 if your
needs fall into the other categories.

 


Membership Coin Holders On Sale at convention


 

We have received many questions about the special NFB of Virginia Membership
Coin Holders. These coin holders turn your membership coin into a pendent or
key chain so you can display it proudly. The custom made, stainless steel
coin holders will be available for sale for $20 at the convention. We
believe we have sufficient coin holders to cover demand. However, if you
would like to reserve a coin holder in advance of convention, please contact
Chris Walker to reserve your coin holder.

 

Chris Walker can be reached via email at: chrisvinson1 at gmail.com

 

Note: coin holders can be purchased with cash or check. We cannot accept
credit cards for the purchase of a coin holder.

 


Convention Financial Assistance


 

State convention runs from Friday morning of November 1 through Sunday at
noon on November 3. As such, some people will choose to arrive on Thursday
evening. The state convention is far and away one of our key annual
highlights in the affiliate, but it also means the event needs to be
properly budgeted.

 

Every year the affiliate president receives a few requests for convention
assistance from affiliate members. I am putting some ground rules in place
to help clarify expectations.

 

If you are planning to request assistance, please send your request to me in
email. Your request should factor in the following:

 

1. What are my total expected costs?

 

Please take into account travel, lodging, meals, a banquet ticket, and
convention registration. I have no idea how much it costs to get from your
home to the Renaissance Portsmouth. You need to do the research. In
addition, the banquet is a highlight of the convention and you don't want to
miss it. Many people choose to share rooms and you will start seeing
roommate requests posted to our announce list starting soon. Brittany Ingram
has agreed to help with connecting people with roommates. She can be reached
at: brittany.e.crone at gmail.com <mailto:brittany.e.crone at gmail.com> 

 

2. What can I afford myself?

 

No one will be going to convention for free. You will need to provide some
of the funding for convention. Individuals requesting financial assistance
should expect to make a significant contribution to your convention
expenses. You should be factoring in this expense into your budget.

 

3. What is my chapter contributing?

 

Your chapter is a resource for financial assistance. Please do not come to
the Virginia Affiliate requesting financial assistance if you have not asked
your local chapter first. I will be following up with chapter presidents to
understand how you are contributing at the chapter level to programming and
fundraising.

 

4. How much are you requesting from the affiliate 

 

After considering other sources, how much are you requesting from the
Virginia affiliate. Please note that we do not provide funding in advance.
Mark Roane will provide funding at convention but you need to work locally
to get your travel and room expenses addressed. It is not Mark's job to hunt
you down at convention and it is not Mark's job to provide you funds as you
walk into the hotel.  However, Mark will gladly sell you some Virginia
Peanuts. 

 

Speaking of selling, fundraising is the means through which we have the
resources to provide financial assistance. When I talk to your chapter
president, I am checking to determine if you are engaged in the chapter and
affiliate fundraising. We will certainly be selling items at the convention
(coin holders, peanuts, etc.) and you will be expected to help with that
activity if you receive financial assistance. We will need marshals and
other volunteers across the convention. We will ask you to assist. You
should be hustling throughout convention and afterward back in Virginia to
help sell our products to fund our movement. 

 

We are asking that requests are submitted no later than October 7, 2019. You
should be planning in advance, booking your hotel room and taking advantage
of the early registration pricing. Remember, all the information you need
about the hotel, registration and other essential details are on the
convention landing page: nfbv.org/convention

 

We want everyone to join us in Portsmouth and we hope this guidance
clarifies the process. However, if you have questions, I am glad to address
them. My email is tracy.soforenko at gmail.com

 


Project RISE Growing Statewide 


 

I am truly thrilled by the success we continue to experience with Project
RISE. We had 17 students at our Northern Virginia kickoff event in
September. The students ended the session by joining Federationists from
across Virginia, Maryland, and DC at a DC Area-wide  chapter event at
National Harbor. We have 26 students signed up for the program and the
program is still growing. Our students are having a remarkable experience,
and they are sharing the program with their friends. Expect to see many of
these students at our state convention. If you know students between the
ages of 14-21, have them check out our web site: NFBV.org/rise, or contact
the coordinators at rise at nfbv.org.

 

Please note that in order to fully participate at the Project RISE specific
programming at the state convention, we need students to apply to the
program in early October. Details on applying online can be found at the web
site listed above.

 

 


Virginia Affiliate Audit committee


 

the following individuals have agreed to serve as the 2019 Virginia
Affiliate Audit Committee:

 

.       Sean McMahon, Chair

.       Jacki Brown

.       Harold Wilson

 


Final Thoughts


 

Why do we volunteer so much of our time to this movement? Maybe it's because
of the vast number of people we would have never met had we never joined the
organization, people who in some cases become lifelong friends. Maybe it's
because we understand that for every blind person we see confidently heading
off to work in the morning, there are too many blind people who are still
struggling to be given that first chance. Maybe it's because someone gave,
us, a chance, and the organization provides the best vehicle to give back.
Whatever the reason, I am so blessed to be among you, a warm and vibrant
group who has played a significant role in shaping me into the person I am
today. You make the hard work fulfilling. You make it exciting. You make it
worth it.

 

Yours in service,

 

Tracy Soforenko, President

National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

 


This Month's Words of Inspiration


 

"Listen earnestly to anything your children want to tell you, no matter
what. If you don't listen eagerly to the little stuff when they are little,
they won't tell you the big stuff when they are big, because to them all of
it has always been big stuff." - Catherine M. Wallace

 


The Chapter Leadership Institute 2019-2020


By Domonique Lawless and Joe Orozco


 

How would you feel if you had applied for a leadership program, only to be
told at the interview point blank that the coordinators aren't sure if you
have what it takes to make it through the year?

 

How would you feel if your application stirred enough uncertainty to require
a second telephone call?

 

How would you feel if these interviews were used as a means to scrutinize
and interrogate some of your personal challenges?

 

Would you still be interested in being considered for the program?

 

We love our Chapter Leadership Institute participants. We believe in them
and are fiercely protective of them, and if we are a little hard on them, it
is only because we want them to dig deep and discover that sturdy stuff we
know they are all made of in order that they might propel their local
chapters to new heights of success. And, well, as we told them in their
acceptance letters earlier this evening, we now have almost a year under our
belts, which makes us a little smarter about pushing them out of their
comfort zones in new and creative ways.

 

Without further delay, please join us in congratulating next year's class in
the Chapter Leadership Institute.

 


2019-2020 Class Roster


 

.       Renee Valdez: Greater Alexandria Chapter

.       Christine Grassman: Potomac Chapter

.       Brittany Ingram: Fredericksburg chapter 

.       Oscar Montiel :  Prince William Chapter

.       Lois Fritz: Peninsula Chapter

.       Jennifer Rae Blinsmon: Tidewater chapter

.       Patrick Johnson: At Large Chapter

.       Annie Ascher: Chesapeake Bay Chapter

.       Annette Carr: Fairfax Chapter

.       Michael Kitchens: Tidewater Chapter

.       Jimmy Morris: Richmond Chapter

.       Naim Abu-El Hawa: Potomac Chapter

.       Bobbie (Roberta) Cohen : Fairfax Chapter

.       Jacki Bruce: Greater Williamsburg Chapter

.       Jessica Reed: Fredericksburg Chapter

 


Learning To Lead One Step At A Time


By Brittany Ingram


 

The journey that has brought me to this point in my life, where i am
furiously trying to balance family, personal health, and volunteer
responsibilities has been a long and tiresome road. i have been asked to
share some of my journey with you and I hope I can do my story justice.

 

At first glance, I am not an image of perfect leadership. I never dreamed of
really taking the world by storm or making a career out of activism. I am
quiet, reserved, introverted, a reader, and a thinker. I enjoy a simple
lifestyle that includes good homemade meals and playing with my baby. So
when I received a phone call that would up root my quiet little world, I was
you could say, blind-sighted. 

 

I have been a member of the National Federation of the Blind since I was
nine years old. I lost my sight when I was five and was told when I was six
that I was broken. My blindness is due to childhood abuse which resulted in
Steven Johnson Syndrome. After being placed in foster care I was told that
because my eyes were damaged my family did not want me. Of course this was
completely absurd and my grandmother was quick to gain custody of both me
and my little brother; but the words calling me unwanted and broken have
never really left me. And they were quite believable until my grandmother
decided to expose me to the organization where blind and broken are as
opposite as earth and sky. 

 

I remember all the events of my years with the organization running through
my mind when the president of the Historic Fredericksburg chapter called me
in July of 2018. My daughter was about nine months old and since she had
been born I had only gone to one monthly meeting and had not even thought to
pay my yearly dues. For all intents and purposes i was inactive and focusing
on learning to parent as a blind mother. So I was shocked to say the least
when I was asked to participate in the Virginia Chapter Leadership Program.
I immediately thought I was the wrong person for the job. I was not an
example of strong blind independence and I had a baby girl who was starting
to show signs of needing additional attention and care. 

 

Yet, I thought of how much smaller and disinterested the chapter had seemed
the last time I had been there and I started to feel both sadness and
resolve building up. For reasons I did not fully comprehend, they wanted me
to represent the Fredericksburg chapter in this leadership thing. I sighed
and agreed just so long as it did not interfere with my parenting duties. I
made it clear that as much as I loved and believed in the NFB, my daughter
came first. And so i was in.

 

I have been on a roller coaster ride this past year. I started out with very
little confidence, ability, or even conviction. Doubts, second guesses, and
fear of imperfection and useless contributions have plagued my heart and
mind for months. But something strange and unexpected has also been coming
over me; and it all started in December when a project was sent out for the
Leadership members to complete in preparation for our first gathering in
January. It was a personality quiz that highlighted your strengths,
preferences, and overall character. 

 

I was once again taken by surprise. Here was something that told me what I
was good at. Organization, communication, and staying focused. I felt like I
was looking into the mirror for the first time. And as time passed, I began
to recognize those and other skills coming forward. I noticed how certain
traits translated beyond my leadership role and into my role as wife and
mother, friend and sister, and how it began to shape my daily priorities. I
was curious and when that happens there is only one result; I go diving into
books and research everything I can get my hands on. How could I utilize
these traits and skills into my leadership role to their most productive
uses? What really defines leadership and do I have all the qualifications?
Is there a way to use my shortcomings and weaknesses as effectively as I use
my strengths and talents? The answers were right there if I could only find
them. 

Here is what I have learned so far. I will probably never stop discovering
new philosophies, debatable definitions, and opinionated preferences when it
comes to leadership. But, between the conversations with the other
participants, all the books and resource materials, and my own revelations;
I also am beginning to understand who I am and how I personally portray the
image of a leader. 

 

Everything in life is about balancing priorities, knowing yourself well
enough to know when to draw the line in the sand, and not wish any tie on
what you are not fully passionate about. This past year I have not only made
some great friends through this program, but I have discovered who I really
am, the kind of person I want to model for my daughter, and the kind of
partner I hope to be for my husband. Doubt and fear are still a daily
obstacle for me, but I am learning to work with them and use them to my
advantage; as reasons for doing instead of reasons for running. I still have
a lot to learn, a lot to improve on, but leadership is no different than any
other goal in life; I just have to slow down, breathe deeply, and take the
journey one step at a time.

 


NFB Pledge


 

I pledge to participate     actively in the effort of the National
Federation of the Blind to achieve equality,     opportunity, and security
for the blind; to support the policies and programs     of the Federation;
and to abide by its constitution.

 

 

 

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From patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com  Thu Oct  3 11:58:50 2019
From: patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com (Sarah Patnaude)
Date: Thu, 3 Oct 2019 06:58:50 -0500
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] 2019 Action Auction at the NFB of Virginia
 Convention
References: <004a01d5798a$0ac666c0$20533440$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <50881463-F319-4A76-9299-334BC83A0507@yahoo.com>


> From: jacki Brown and Laurie Wages, NFB of Virginia Action Auctioneers
>  
> Hear Ye!  Hear Ye!  The NFB of Virginia will be having an Auction at its state convention in Portsmouth, Virginia ? November 1-3, 2019
>  
> Bring your donated items to the convention.  We will be accepting items on Friday.  We?ll be auctioning a few items Friday morning at the Board meeting.  Then just like last year there will be tables set up with the items offered.  Other auction items will be offered in the meeting room during the morning session on Saturday, at the Banquet Saturday Night and in the meeting room on Sunday morning.
>  
> It is important for you to be at all the meetings and the banquet.  Otherwise you might miss out on your favorite auction item.  Items will be displayed outside the main meeting room on Friday and in the main meeting room on Saturday and Sunday.  On Friday the Action auction volunteers will accept items for auction and describe each item to all who stop by.
>  
> We will accept cash, checks or debit/credit cards.  All payments need to be received by noon on Sunday, November 3, 201 9.  Individual restrictions and expiration dates apply.  Please see the items for details.  We have many great items and little time so we will be conducting the auction FAST!
>  
> For your convenience, we have listed the items we currently have to offer.  There will be additions to this list as we expect more items to arrive.  The items will not be presented for bid in the order of this list ? but by whim of the Auctioneer.
> INITIAL LIST OF AUCTION ITEMS AS OF 10/02/19:
>  
> 1. Three boxes of homemade No-Bake Cookies and Chocolate Fudge made by Christopher Walker (Value $30 per Box) ?  Donated by Christopher Walker
>  
> 2. Brand New -A Cozy Combo pink Throw & pink /white striped Sock Gift Set inside a white/pink Canvas 9? x 12? Tote Bag. Perfect Christmas Gift. (Value: $35.00) Donated by Mary and Jim Green, Winchester Chapter.
>  
> 3. Dinner for Six at Chez Sharon.  A gourmet dinner for six at the Soforenko household awaits you.  The finest in Modern American dining and superior wait service.  Your meal will have excellent Wine pairings and a homemade dessert.  Ask your friends about last year?s remarkable evening! Donated by President Tracy and Sharon Soforenko, Potomac Chapter.
>  
> MANY MORE ITEMS FOR SALE WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON.  THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE DONATED ITEMS AND THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO WILL BID ON THESE ITEMS. 
>  
> REMEMBER: THIS IS OUR ORGANIZATION AND WE MUST INVEST IN OURSELVES!
>  
> SEE YOU AT CONVENTION!

> JACKI BROWN AND LAURIE WAGES, AUCTIONEERS
> Email Jacki at-jacquelinestonebrown at comcast.net or Phone her at 703-300-5869 with items to be donated.
>  
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From patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com  Fri Oct  4 12:06:34 2019
From: patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com (Sarah Patnaude)
Date: Fri, 4 Oct 2019 07:06:34 -0500
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] BLIND Inc Director Jennifer Kennedy to Join us at
 the 2019 NFB of Virginia Convention
References: <007f01d57a7f$46a177c0$d3e46740$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <347CE568-F714-42D9-AE26-62589DF4F343@yahoo.com>


> From: Tracy Soforenko, President

> Have you been curious to learn more about the NFB training centers.
> Come to the 2019 NFB of Virginia Convention and learn all about them.
>  
> Friday Morning (11/1) General Session presentation: NFB Training Centers: The Next Generation ? Jennifer Kennedy, Executive Director, Blindness Learning In New Dimensions (BLIND Inc.) Minneapolis, Minnesota.
>  
> We are thrilled to share that Jennifer Kennedy, the new director of our NFB Training Center in Minneapolis will be joining us at our convention. Jennifer is a fabulous role model sharing our positive philosophy on blindness and a motivating force in blindness skills education. For many years, Jennifer taught orientation and mobility at the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired and also served as Richmond Chapter President. We look forward to hearing about her plans to further innovate  at BLIND Inc. We are excited that our friend has made visiting the Virginia convention a priority for her during her first year in this new role.
> Jennifer will also be a part of many of the workshops and seminars scattered throughout the convention agenda.
>  
> This is just one more reason why you need to act today (before the October 8 deadline) to secure your hotel reservation and register to take advantage of pre-registration pricing.
> All details can be found at:
>  
> http://www.nfbv.org/convention/
>  
> Please act today to join us in Portsmouth from November 1 ? 3.
>  
>  
> Tracy Soforenko
> President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia
> 202 285-4595
> Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com
> www.nfb.org
> www.nfbv.org
> National Federation of the Blind. Live the Life You Want
> The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation?s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.
>  
>  
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From patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com  Sat Oct  5 14:22:50 2019
From: patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com (Sarah Patnaude)
Date: Sat, 5 Oct 2019 09:22:50 -0500
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Raffle Ticket Revision
References: <CAG+A59JFZwqHSZG9hngYXboKT4QJr_PF=zc72fxXfYBc99syGA@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <DE42B5B7-7934-45FB-B021-B052615E93E2@yahoo.com>

From Andre Hill

> Greetings Members,
> 
> Please accept my most humblest apologize for getting this update to you so late. I wanted to let you know that due to lack of participation overall, VABS is changing the raffle prizes for Bowl with the Blind. We will raffle 1 Visa gift card and 1 Mastercard gift card. 
> 
> The remaining gift cards ($25 Amazon, $25 Target, $25 Visa, $25 Starbucks, $25 Uber (ride or eats) will be raffled off as a bundle during state convention. The price will remain 1 ticket for $5 and 3 tickets for $10.
> 
> 
> 
> Thank You, 
> 
> Andre
> 
> 
> 
> Andre Hill 
> Chairperson 
> Legislative Committee 
> Virginia Association of Blind Students
> 
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From patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com  Sun Oct  6 22:29:38 2019
From: patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com (Sarah Patnaude)
Date: Sun, 6 Oct 2019 17:29:38 -0500
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Bowl with the Blind
References: <CAG+A59L3XiY_tgwjK9i6ymsjqMOKYKT3W++rRfUdnFOMp6EObA@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CC726A4A-BBC3-41C4-A5D0-5E2A56FFD239@yahoo.com>

> Dear Members, 
> 
> Yesterday, VABS hosted our annual "Bowl with the Blind" event as apart of our Meet the Blind Month Initiative. 
> 
> I am pleased to say that it was very successful. I would like to thank those who attended and the Chapters that donated gift cards. The winners of the raffle were Dr. Fredric Schroeder and Ms. Christy Brooks. 
> 
> We look forward to hosting this event again next year. 
> 
> 
> Thank You, 
> 
> 
> Andre Hill
> 
> 
> Chairperson 
> Legislative Committee 
> Virginia Association of Blind Students 
> National Federation of the Blind of Virginia 
> 




From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Mon Oct  7 04:04:15 2019
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (tracy.soforenko at gmail.com)
Date: Mon, 7 Oct 2019 00:04:15 -0400
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Act by Tuesday at 5:00 PM to Secure Hotel
 reservations and Pre-Registration Pricing
Message-ID: <030201d57cc4$498a91f0$dc9fb5d0$@gmail.com>

Our National Federation of the Blind of Virginia convention (November 1-3)
is fast approaching. Have you taken the steps to ensure you can attend?

 

We have done the work to develop an outstanding program which you will not
want to miss.

Your part is as easy as A, B, C.

All details including links and phone numbers can be found at the Convention
page on our web site:

 

http://www.nfbv.org/convention/

 

A.	Hotel Reservation

 

We need you to act today to secure your hotel room before the Renaissance
sells the remaining rooms from our existing room block. After Tuesday, there
is no guaranty that rooms will be available.

Please contact the hotel before Tuesday at 5:00 PM Eastern to ensure you
have a room at the property.

 

B.	Pre-Register 

The prices for registration and meal functions increase after October 8 so
pre-register either by calling Brown Paper Tickets or pre-register online to
secure the discounted pricing.

Additionally, if you are a parent bringing children who will be using
childcare, we need to know which child care sessions you require so we can
secure our staff to care for your children.

 

C.	Figure out your transportation

 

There are numerous options for transportation to the Norfolk/Portsmouth
area. In addition to Amtrak and bus service, we will soon announce the
details of an NFB of Virginia bus from Northern Virginia departing Thursday
afternoon and returning Sunday just after convention. For questions about
the bus, please contact John Halverson at John Halverson jwh100 at outlook.com
<mailto:jwh100 at outlook.com>  or 703 379-1141.

 

We need you to act today and ensure you are with us at our exciting
celebration in Portsmouth.

 

Tracy Soforenko

President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

202 285-4595

 <mailto:Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com> Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com

 <http://www.nfb.org> www.nfb.org

 <http://www.nfbv.org> www.nfbv.org

National Federation of the Blind. Live the Life You Want

The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends
who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind. Every day we work
together to help blind people live the lives they want.

 

 

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From patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com  Mon Oct  7 17:31:23 2019
From: patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com (Sarah Patnaude)
Date: Mon, 7 Oct 2019 12:31:23 -0500
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Convention Bus
References: <BN8PR06MB5955BEDD15E7DE350C25E78B989B0@BN8PR06MB5955.namprd06.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <9A353208-776D-4645-9429-BA70215E88DA@yahoo.com>

> From John Halverson
President, Potomac Chapter


> Colleagues,
>  
> Announcing bus transportation from Northern Virginia to the 2019 convention hotel and return. 
>  
> NFB of Virginia conventions are exciting and offer numerous opportunities for all of us to learn, network, and grow.  Do  not miss  this  outstanding event.
>  
> On Thursday, October 31, we plan to  leave St. Georges Episcopal Church, 915 North Oakland Street, Arlington VA 22201 at 2:00 pm.  If there is demand, we  will make brief stops to pick-up passengers in Alexandria, at the I95 rest stop exit 155 in Prince William County, the Fredericksburg Hospitality House and in Richmond.  Specific pick-up and drop-off locations will be announced soon.
>  
> The cost is $80 round trip and $40 one-way.  We accept cash, checks or credit cards.  Please make reservations before October 27. 
>  
> All sales are final.
>  
> Note that the Amtrak fare roundtrip from Alexandria to Norfolk is $92.  Our fare of $80 is  a bargain and will get you directly to our  hotel.  You do  not have the extra cost of transferring  from the Norfolk Amtrak station to the hotel.
>  
> Please make checks payable to PCNFB. 
>  
> For further information or reservations contact  John Halverson at 703-379-1141 (h), 703-867-6400 (c), or email jwh100 at outlook.com.
>  
> This will be an exciting convention and I hope you will join us.
>  
> John
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From patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com  Mon Oct  7 17:32:41 2019
From: patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com (Sarah Patnaude)
Date: Mon, 7 Oct 2019 12:32:41 -0500
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Meet the Blind Month Activity fundraiser
References: <001f01d57d2e$118e3e40$34aabac0$@org>
Message-ID: <C4C67562-1D6E-4E47-B75B-EA70D7352345@yahoo.com>

From Natasha Hubbard
> 
>                                 MEET THE BLIND MONTH
>  
> NFBV PENNINSULA CHAPTER PRESENTS?
>  
>                                 SIP AND PAINT WITH THE BLIND
>  
> DO YOU WANT TO DO SOMETHING FUN AND EXCITING?
> Do you want to have a unique experience?
> Do you want to sip?
> Do you want to paint?
> COME JOIN US ON TUESDAY OCTOBER 22,2019 FROM 6PM ? 9PM
>  
> Location ? COZZY?S comedy club 9700 Warwick BLVD.
>  
> COME HANG WITH US, SIP WITH US, GET BLINDFOLDED AND PAINT WITH US.
>  
> Tickets $25 FOR more information contact NFBV PENNINSULA CHAPTER VICE PRESIDENT TROY BOWSER AT 757-696-0981 
> HOPE TO ?SEE? YOU THERE 
>  
>  
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From oscarjmontiel37 at gmail.com  Mon Oct  7 22:17:49 2019
From: oscarjmontiel37 at gmail.com (Oscar Josue Montiel)
Date: Mon, 7 Oct 2019 18:17:49 -0400
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] PWC meeting 10/15/2019
Message-ID: <8A9A334C-AC0A-4870-9042-084A0B033454@gmail.com>

Greetings to all:

It is almost that time again, what time am I talking about? The Prince William chapter meeting of coarse. Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 from 7 PM to 8 PM.  where: 14700Potomac Mills Road. Come  one come all to our next meeting that is before our state convention. Our topics are as follows:

Finishing off elections: board positions that need to be filled our secretary and vice president. (Only those who pay five dollar dues and are interested in a board position are eligible )
We will also be having details on our meet the blind month activity, this year it will be a tour of the Marine Corps Museum. Please stay tuned to any details regarding that trip this week, but final arrangements will be made at our meeting next week. Finally, we will be discussing our state convention.  That will be held from November 1 to November 3. A sidenote for all that who have not done so yet, those who are interested on attending the state convention must make room reservations  and register by tomorrow, Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 5 PM.  I look forward to seeing you all there anyone is welcome!

Thank you,

Sincerely,



Oscar Montiel Sent from my iPhone


From patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com  Tue Oct  8 12:08:18 2019
From: patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com (Sarah Patnaude)
Date: Tue, 8 Oct 2019 07:08:18 -0500
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] NFBV Fairfax Meeting, Oct 17, 7:00pm
References: <00b901d57d82$c1218e80$4364ab80$@verizon.net>
Message-ID: <F0F4DA00-35FE-486E-B144-AA2625FF5234@yahoo.com>

> From Annette Carr
President, Fairfax Chapter
>  
> The Fairfax Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) will be meeting on Thursday, October 17, 2019 from 7:00pm ? 8:30pm.  Those wanting to purchase dinner can plan to arrive between 6:00pm ? 6:30pm and join us for networking and catching up with old and new friends. 
>  
> Agenda and meeting information are provided further down in this message.
>  
> The meeting location is:
> Red Hot and Blue
> 4150 Chain Bridge Rd,
> Fairfax, VA
> 703-218-6989
> (Corner of Chain Bridge Road & Judicial Drive)
>  
> We gather in the Meeting Room at the top of the stairs to the left.  If this changes, restaurant staff will inform you of our seating location for this evening.
>  
> For questions and additional information, contact Annette Carr, amcarr1 at verizon.net, 703-915-2837.
>  
> Our topic this month will be renting and buying a home.  Have you been thinking about renting or buying a home? Do you know what to expect from the process or if you need to do anything different if you are blind? Please join the Fairfax chapter of the NFB on Thursday, October 17th, 2019, for this engaging conversation surrounding the home buying and renting experience.  Our guest speaker will be Sheila Carney.  For all who may have paused and considered thoughts of entering real estate as a blind consumer, as well as those who have experience with renting and/or buying a home, you will not want to miss this interactive conversation.  As we hear from Mrs. Carney, the sharing of experiences from our NFB members, and answer questions from those new to the renting and home buying process, the evening's discussion is sure to be informative.  Owning a home is the American dream.  Having the information you need to be an informed consumer will allow you to live the life you want.
>  
> Attached is an article we will use to get us started in the discussion.  If you prefer to read the article online, the URL is:
> https://www.wave3.com/story/1863791/blind-woman-says-she-was-tricked-into-buying-run-down-home
>  
> Agenda:
> ?             Roll Call of Board members
> ?             Member and guest  introductions
> ?             NFB Pledge (See below)
> ?             Secretary?s Report and approval of minutes - Jonathan
> ?             Treasurer?s Report - Jay
> ?             November topic selection.
> ?             Holiday party discussion
> Review proposed Chapter plan developed by Board in August - Annette
> ?             Evening?s presentation ? consumer information for renting and buying a home
> ?             Announcements & final comments
> ?             Adjournment
>  
> NFB Pledge
> I pledge to participate actively in the effort of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution
>  
>  
>  
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From patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com  Tue Oct  8 17:30:30 2019
From: patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com (Sarah Patnaude)
Date: Tue, 8 Oct 2019 12:30:30 -0500
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Walk With The Blind
References: <003201d57df4$6bfde030$43f9a090$@cox.net>
Message-ID: <E51EE604-70E2-4A09-B265-E460E8869467@yahoo.com>

> From Corlis Jones

Join members of the Rivers and Bay chapters of the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia as we walk through Historic Colonial Williamsburg.  Support us as we raise awareness of what blind people can achieve.    

When: Saturday, October 12, 2019

9:00 AM: Registration Opens

10:00 AM: Kick Off

Where: Starting at the Capital Building (end of Duke of Gloucester St.), Colonial Williamsburg

Registration: $15

Sponsored by 
Chesapeake Bay, Greater Williamsburg, Peninsula, and Tidewater Chapters of the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia ?Living the Lives We Want?                                                                                                               

For more information, contact: Corlis Jones at phone:  757-565-1185, email: cmjones153 at cox.net .  Please make checks payable to NFBV and send them to:  Carroll Bailey, 4700 Newport Forrest, Williamsburg, VA 23188  

>  
> If you can not join us on Saturday, Oct12, 2019 to support us we are accepting donations.
> Send checks to address on flyer. Thank You For Your Support!
>  
> Rivers and Bay Chapters of the National Federation of the Blind Of VA

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From sdprost at cox.net  Tue Oct  8 17:35:03 2019
From: sdprost at cox.net (Cox)
Date: Tue, 8 Oct 2019 13:35:03 -0400
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Third Annual Rivers and Bay Chapters Walk With The
 Blind
Message-ID: <003001d57dfe$b9e02f60$2da08e20$@cox.net>

Greetings Federationists!  

The third annual Rivers and Bay Chapters Walk with the Blind is just around
the corner.  Here are the details:  

 

When: Saturday, October 12, 2019

9:00 AM: Registration Opens

10:00 AM: Kick Off

Where: Starting at the Capital Building (end of Duke of Gloucester St.),
Colonial Williamsburg

Registration: $15

 

Attached is a registration/donation form for anyone planning to attend.  You
should ask family and friends to support you in your walk.  

 

For those who participate and pay the registration fee, we will be handing
out baseball caps that have the NFB logo and say "Rivers and Bay Walk with
the Blind".  

 

If you cannot join us, you can support the walk by making a donation.
Please make checks out to NFBV and send them to:

 

Carroll Bailey, 4700 Newport Forrest, Williamsburg, VA 23188.  

 

Donations should be received no later than October 31, 2019.  Donations will
also be accepted at our state convention.  Please give donations to Stewart
Prost, Urika Harrison, Corlis Jones, or Anne Aisher at convention.  

 

Let us make this the biggest and most successful walk ever!

 

Sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay, Greater Williamsburg, Peninsula, and
Tidewater Chapters.  

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From nijat1989 at gmail.com  Tue Oct  8 13:48:27 2019
From: nijat1989 at gmail.com (Nijat Worley)
Date: Tue, 8 Oct 2019 09:48:27 -0400
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] NFBV-Announce Digest, Vol 142, Issue 7
In-Reply-To: <mailman.63.1570536004.19423.nfbv-announce_nfbnet.org@nfbnet.org>
References: <mailman.63.1570536004.19423.nfbv-announce_nfbnet.org@nfbnet.org>
Message-ID: <CAKUobR64kR2fY0FuBhkTH5oSVc3fNbsRKrC+msC2TKusvkFh+g@mail.gmail.com>

Subject: [blindLaw] Domino?s loses in lawsuit over website
? ? ? ? accessibility | athNation's Restaurant News
Message-ID:
https://www.nrn.com/news/supreme-court-hands-win-blind-man-who-sued-domino-s-over-website-accessibility?NL=NRN-01aIssue=NRN-01a_20191007_NRN-01a_857sfvc4enews=42cl=article_1_butm_rid=CPG06000000059707utm_campaign=33738utm_medium=emailelq2=a48dd89435d64bc0b51f486bee637dc2
Supreme Court hands win to blind man who sued Domino?s over website
accessibility
Court denies the petition filed by the pizza chain, upholding the
lower court ruling

Joanna Fantozzi</author/--6> | Oct 07, 2019

The Supreme Court has denied a petition from Domino?s Pizza Inc.
following a decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that ruled
in favor of a blind
man named Guillermo Robles who sued the chain when he was unable to
order pizza off the Domino?s website or mobile app even with screen
reading technology.
The Supreme Court decision will leave the original ruling in place,
which maintained that the company must make its website and mobile app
accessible under
the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act.

The case was originally filed in September 2016 in the Central
District of California as Robles v. Domino?s Pizza LLC. After a March
2017 decision by a
district judge initially dismissed the lawsuit stating that it ?would
violate Domino?s due process rights? because the Department of Justice
had ?failed
to provide helpful guidance,? the lawsuit went to the Ninth Circuit
Court of Appeals.

Related: Opinion: Restaurateurs, Don?t roll over
yet</operations/opinion-restaurateurs-don-t-roll-over-yet>

In a January 2019 decision<
http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2019/01/15/17-55504.pdf>,
the Court of Appeals reversed the initial ruling in a unanimous
decision, stating that, although ADA compliance generally applies to
?places of public
accommodation,? the act never actually states that that ADA compliance
must occur ?in a place of public accommodation.?

?The panel stated that the website and app connected customers to the
goods and services of Domino?s physical restaurants,? the Ninth
Circuit decision
stated. ?To limit the ADA to discrimination in the provision of
services occurring on the premises of a public accommodation would
contradict the plain
language of the statute.?

Related: House approves ADA amendment to protect
businesses</operations/house-approves-ada-amendment-protect-businesses>

The Court of Appeals also ruled that the compliance mandate did not
violate the company?s Fourteenth Amendment rights to due process
because the company
had been given adequate time to comply and that ?the ADA articulates
comprehensible standards? to which companies have to conform in order
to be in compliance
with federal law. The court also ruled that ?lack of specific
regulations? as outlined in the ADA does not exempt Domino?s from
following the law.

Following the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling, Domino?s pled
their case with the Supreme Court. By denying their petition on
Monday, the Supreme
Court upholds the Court of Appeals decision.

In 2018, over 2,200 lawsuits have been filed over website
accessibility, a 181% increase from the year before, according to
data<
https://blog.usablenet.com/2018-ada-web-accessibility-lawsuit-recap-report>
from digital accessibility-focused technology company Usable Net, with
the food service industry being one of the top industries named in
litigation.


On 10/8/19, nfbv-announce-request at nfbnet.org
<nfbv-announce-request at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Send NFBV-Announce mailing list submissions to
> 	nfbv-announce at nfbnet.org
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> 	http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbv-announce_nfbnet.org
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> 	nfbv-announce-request at nfbnet.org
>
> You can reach the person managing the list at
> 	nfbv-announce-owner at nfbnet.org
>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of NFBV-Announce digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
>    1. Convention Bus (Sarah Patnaude)
>    2. Meet the Blind Month Activity fundraiser (Sarah Patnaude)
>    3. PWC meeting 10/15/2019 (Oscar Josue Montiel)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Mon, 7 Oct 2019 12:31:23 -0500
> From: Sarah Patnaude <patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com>
> To: Nfbv-announce at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Convention Bus
> Message-ID: <9A353208-776D-4645-9429-BA70215E88DA at yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
>> From John Halverson
> President, Potomac Chapter
>
>
>> Colleagues,
>>
>> Announcing bus transportation from Northern Virginia to the 2019
>> convention hotel and return.
>>
>> NFB of Virginia conventions are exciting and offer numerous opportunities
>> for all of us to learn, network, and grow.  Do  not miss  this
>> outstanding event.
>>
>> On Thursday, October 31, we plan to  leave St. Georges Episcopal Church,
>> 915 North Oakland Street, Arlington VA 22201 at 2:00 pm.  If there is
>> demand, we  will make brief stops to pick-up passengers in Alexandria, at
>> the I95 rest stop exit 155 in Prince William County, the Fredericksburg
>> Hospitality House and in Richmond.  Specific pick-up and drop-off
>> locations will be announced soon.
>>
>> The cost is $80 round trip and $40 one-way.  We accept cash, checks or
>> credit cards.  Please make reservations before October 27.
>>
>> All sales are final.
>>
>> Note that the Amtrak fare roundtrip from Alexandria to Norfolk is $92.
>> Our fare of $80 is  a bargain and will get you directly to our  hotel.
>> You do  not have the extra cost of transferring  from the Norfolk Amtrak
>> station to the hotel.
>>
>> Please make checks payable to PCNFB.
>>
>> For further information or reservations contact  John Halverson at
>> 703-379-1141 (h), 703-867-6400 (c), or email jwh100 at outlook.com.
>>
>> This will be an exciting convention and I hope you will join us.
>>
>> John
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>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Mon, 7 Oct 2019 12:32:41 -0500
> From: Sarah Patnaude <patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com>
> To: Nfbv-announce at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Meet the Blind Month Activity fundraiser
> Message-ID: <C4C67562-1D6E-4E47-B75B-EA70D7352345 at yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> From Natasha Hubbard
>>
>>                                 MEET THE BLIND MONTH
>>
>> NFBV PENNINSULA CHAPTER PRESENTS?
>>
>>                                 SIP AND PAINT WITH THE BLIND
>>
>> DO YOU WANT TO DO SOMETHING FUN AND EXCITING?
>> Do you want to have a unique experience?
>> Do you want to sip?
>> Do you want to paint?
>> COME JOIN US ON TUESDAY OCTOBER 22,2019 FROM 6PM ? 9PM
>>
>> Location ? COZZY?S comedy club 9700 Warwick BLVD.
>>
>> COME HANG WITH US, SIP WITH US, GET BLINDFOLDED AND PAINT WITH US.
>>
>> Tickets $25 FOR more information contact NFBV PENNINSULA CHAPTER VICE
>> PRESIDENT TROY BOWSER AT 757-696-0981
>> HOPE TO ?SEE? YOU THERE
>>
>>
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>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Mon, 7 Oct 2019 18:17:49 -0400
> From: Oscar Josue Montiel <oscarjmontiel37 at gmail.com>
> To: Tasha Branch <tashqlbranch at gmail.com>, Angela Haynie
> 	<haynieam at gmail.com>,	Alysha Hiller <Alysha.n.hiller at gmail.com>,
> 	Andrew Hiller <hilleras at gmail.com>
> Cc: dsalman555 at gmail.com, Ruki's Girl <nimrakhalid1980 at gmail.com>,
> 	Sandy Halverson <sjh300 at outlook.com>,	John Halverson
> 	<johnh50 at verizon.net>, 	nabs.president at gmail.com, Margaret Skinner
> 	<marg1960 at comcast.net>,	"Suzanne M. Proctor" <proctosm at pwcs.edu>,
> 	"Leslie D. Parrott" <PARROTTL at pwcs.edu>, nfbv-announce at nfbnet.org,
> 	Oscar Montiel <oscarjmontiel37 at gmail.com>
> Subject: [NFBV-Announce] PWC meeting 10/15/2019
> Message-ID: <8A9A334C-AC0A-4870-9042-084A0B033454 at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> Greetings to all:
>
> It is almost that time again, what time am I talking about? The Prince
> William chapter meeting of coarse. Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday,
> October 15, 2019 from 7 PM to 8 PM.  where: 14700Potomac Mills Road. Come
> one come all to our next meeting that is before our state convention. Our
> topics are as follows:
>
> Finishing off elections: board positions that need to be filled our
> secretary and vice president. (Only those who pay five dollar dues and are
> interested in a board position are eligible )
> We will also be having details on our meet the blind month activity, this
> year it will be a tour of the Marine Corps Museum. Please stay tuned to any
> details regarding that trip this week, but final arrangements will be made
> at our meeting next week. Finally, we will be discussing our state
> convention.  That will be held from November 1 to November 3. A sidenote for
> all that who have not done so yet, those who are interested on attending the
> state convention must make room reservations  and register by tomorrow,
> Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 5 PM.  I look forward to seeing you all there
> anyone is welcome!
>
> Thank you,
>
> Sincerely,
>
>
>
> Oscar Montiel Sent from my iPhone
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Subject: Digest Footer
>
> _______________________________________________
> NFBV-Announce mailing list
> NFBV-Announce at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbv-announce_nfbnet.org
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of NFBV-Announce Digest, Vol 142, Issue 7
> *********************************************
>


-- 
Nijat Worley
J.D.

Twitter: @nijatworley



From jsorozco at gmail.com  Wed Oct  9 18:00:52 2019
From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco)
Date: Wed, 9 Oct 2019 14:00:52 -0400
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Your 2 Must Reads Today!
Message-ID: <CAM=b=VFAKF3NhEGkqj0faXqk95sHyXUaKVPiDrDJJ8jkr9=m4g@mail.gmail.com>

Hello everyone,

I just came across this term. It's called "flexitarian." What the hell
is a flexitarian you ask? I haven't looked it up, but to me it sounds
like vegetarians who roll out of bed and rediscover their love for a
Big Mac...

Regardless, flexitarians are not welcomed at state convention. Family
my foot. If you need special meals, you are going to firmly commit to
vegetarian, vegan, or good, wholesome, carnivorous yumminess. Gluten
free is already a thing at the hotel.

A couple weeks ago we disseminated an announcement for banquet meals.
That's all fine and well. We still need you to do this by October 25
to Sandy at: sjh300 at outlook.com, but we also need to hear from you for
the box lunches on Friday and Saturday. I'm setting that menu this
week, and I'd like to give a head count for vegetarian boxes. We could
theoretically give the hotel the same number of special meals we got
for banquet, but well, we're conscious some of you may come for lunch
but not stay for the big dinner. That, to me, is like ordering a
cheese burger without the cheese, but what do I know?

Okay, the other thing is that because there was a staff change at the
hotel, and there has been just enough wiggle wiggle to make me crazy,
we have two extra days for people who missed the hotel booking
deadline, even after we begged and pleaded you to do it early. So, if
you missed the hotel booking deadline, please do it before 5:00
tomorrow, October 10. All the details are here:

http://nfbv.org/convention

That does not extend the pre-registration deadline, only the hotel
booking deadline.

Wiggle wiggle. Hahaha, I have no idea why I felt the need to
incorporate that into an otherwise serious message on what is supposed
to be an otherwise serious mailing list, but it was so
uncharacteristically opposite of my stoic personality that it made me
grin. And in the middle of convention planning season, anything that
makes me grin is worthy of jotting down. And Tracy cannot yell at me
for banning flexitarians until after sun up tomorrow.

I cannot wait to see you in a few weeks!

Joe Orozco



From patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com  Thu Oct 10 20:35:10 2019
From: patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com (Sarah Patnaude)
Date: Thu, 10 Oct 2019 15:35:10 -0500
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Donation of blindness Related Equipment for
 Children in Ethiopia
References: <BN8PR06MB59552D1B0AF2F8C555186EBC98940@BN8PR06MB5955.namprd06.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <C88D0C3A-383A-4A7F-8E1C-79E659E287DC@yahoo.com>

From John Halverson
President, Potomac Chapter
>  
> The affiliate is assisting Kassahun Yibeltal Sahilu, A Potomac chapter member, in the collection of canes, Braille writing equipment, etc. for blind children in Ethiopia, his home country.  If you are attending the convention, please bring your donated items with you.
>  
> If you are unable to attend the convention, call me at  (703)283-2524 or by email:  nancyyeager542 at comcast.net.
>  
> Please read Kassahun?s message below.
>  
> Nancy Yeager
>  
> (703) 283-2524
>  
> nancyyeager542 at comcast.net
>  
>  
> My name is Kassahun Sahilu, a member of the Potomac Chapter.  
>  
> I grew up as a blind child in Ethiopia.  We had very limited access to Braille writing equipment, books, canes, etc.
>  
> Unfortunately, life for blind children has not improved over the years.  Many children have lost their sight due to preventable diseases. Most of their families live in the countryside where there are very few services for them.  Some families migrate from the rural part of the country to cities and towns.  Even in urban areas,  services are not that satisfactory.
>  
> Few blind children have had access to education. Even those who are at school barely get the equipment they need. They are not provided with textbooks in braille because schools and Associations do not have braille embossers.  Braillewriters. Slates, styluses and other educational items are in short supply.
>  
> I am asking your help and support to improve the lives of blind children in Ethiopia so that they might have better opportunities to succeed at school and in life.
>  
> The Potomac Chapter is assisting me in the collection of items such as: canes, slates and styluses, talking and braille watches, Braille books, and  anything else that may be used for schooling and daily living   
>  
>  
> Kassahun Yibeltal Sahilu
>  
>  
>  
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From oscarjmontiel37 at gmail.com  Thu Oct 10 16:21:07 2019
From: oscarjmontiel37 at gmail.com (Oscar Josue Montiel)
Date: Thu, 10 Oct 2019 12:21:07 -0400
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] PWC meeting 10/15/2019
In-Reply-To: <8A9A334C-AC0A-4870-9042-084A0B033454@gmail.com>
References: <8A9A334C-AC0A-4870-9042-084A0B033454@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <11DF9CDB-FC07-4585-A7CA-C112BFA7B3D3@gmail.com>

Good afternoon to all:

Just a reminder and announcement regarding our chapter meeting next week. The reminder is for those who did not attend our meeting last month,I would like to remind you that you would need to go to the visitors desk to present your identification to get a visitors badge. Those who attended the meeting last month, you will just need to present yourself to receive your visitors badge, your badge was already made for you. now for the announcement, I was able to get in touch with Scott Gardiner  (a representative from the Marine Corps Museum) earlier this week. And he is interested in attending our next meeting next Tuesday to answer any questions regarding our trip to the museum. I would like to have dates preferred for those who are not attending our meeting so that way those who are present can work with your schedule. The museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Sunday. The reason I am stating this, is because there is a possibility that we could get a touch tour of certain artifacts in the museum. But they will need a few days to prepare that tour. If anyone is not attending the meeting please email me at: oscarjmontiel37 at gmail.com or you can call me or text me at: 703-986-9768, by Tuesday, October 15, 2019 before 7 PM. With your preferred days. This will go along ways in determining what will work best for everyone who is interested in attending this event.

Thank you,

Sincerely,



Oscar Montiel

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 7, 2019, at 6:17 PM, Oscar Josue Montiel <oscarjmontiel37 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> ?Greetings to all:
> 
> It is almost that time again, what time am I talking about? The Prince William chapter meeting of coarse. Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 from 7 PM to 8 PM.  where: 14700Potomac Mills Road. Come  one come all to our next meeting that is before our state convention. Our topics are as follows:
> 
> Finishing off elections: board positions that need to be filled our secretary and vice president. (Only those who pay five dollar dues and are interested in a board position are eligible )
> We will also be having details on our meet the blind month activity, this year it will be a tour of the Marine Corps Museum. Please stay tuned to any details regarding that trip this week, but final arrangements will be made at our meeting next week. Finally, we will be discussing our state convention.  That will be held from November 1 to November 3. A sidenote for all that who have not done so yet, those who are interested on attending the state convention must make room reservations  and register by tomorrow, Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 5 PM.  I look forward to seeing you all there anyone is welcome!
> 
> Thank you,
> 
> Sincerely,
> 
> 
> 
> Oscar Montiel Sent from my iPhone



From patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com  Mon Oct 14 15:01:43 2019
From: patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com (Sarah Patnaude)
Date: Mon, 14 Oct 2019 10:01:43 -0500
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] call for resolutions for the NFBV 2019 convention
References: <023601d5824a$8bdaa2d0$a38fe870$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <9A527BC8-FBC4-4506-9A21-47C155BBA1D7@yahoo.com>

> From Deepa Goraya
Chairwoman, NFBV Resolutions Committee 

> Fellow Federationists:
>  
> 
> As you know, our state convention is fast approaching. One of the most important parts of our convention involves reading and discussing resolutions sent in by our affiliate members. Resolutions are policy statements of the affiliate, and we welcome them from our members.
> 
>  
> 
> As a grass roots organization, our members are the primary source of ideas for our policies and programs. There are many people who have ideas which we might consider as potential policy statements for the NFB of Virginia. Also, resolutions help spark conversations about vital issues we face as Virginia Federationists.
> 
>  
> 
> If you are planning on submitting a resolution, or if you have an idea for one, please contact me as soon as possible, no later than Friday, October 18. The resolutions committee can assist you with writing your resolution if necessary. For rreference, and if you want to begin drafting your resolution, here is a link to an article from the Braille Monitor on how to draft a resolution, with helpful information on what role resolutions play in the NFB, what happens after a resolution is passed, etc. https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm14/bm1401/bm140108.htm. Many people are intimidated by resolutions because they have a complex structure with all those awkward whereas statements. However, once you get the hang of it, it?s pretty simple.
> 
>  
> Deepa Goraya
>  
> Deepinder K. Goraya, ESQ.
>  
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From sdprost at cox.net  Mon Oct 14 17:35:12 2019
From: sdprost at cox.net (Stewart & Deborah Prost)
Date: Mon, 14 Oct 2019 13:35:12 -0400
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] call for resolutions for the NFBV 2019
 convention
In-Reply-To: <9A527BC8-FBC4-4506-9A21-47C155BBA1D7@yahoo.com>
References: <9A527BC8-FBC4-4506-9A21-47C155BBA1D7@yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <C3A7FA09-C02B-4178-95D9-9F191E6E2EC7@cox.net>

Good afternoon,  Deepa, can you provide your contact information?  Thank you. Stewart Prost 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 14, 2019, at 11:05 AM, Sarah Patnaude via NFBV-Announce <NFBV-Announce at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> ?
>> 
>> From Deepa Goraya
> Chairwoman, NFBV Resolutions Committee 
> 
>> Fellow Federationists:
>>  
>> 
>> As you know, our state convention is fast approaching. One of the most important parts of our convention involves reading and discussing resolutions sent in by our affiliate members. Resolutions are policy statements of the affiliate, and we welcome them from our members.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> As a grass roots organization, our members are the primary source of ideas for our policies and programs. There are many people who have ideas which we might consider as potential policy statements for the NFB of Virginia. Also, resolutions help spark conversations about vital issues we face as Virginia Federationists.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> If you are planning on submitting a resolution, or if you have an idea for one, please contact me as soon as possible, no later than Friday, October 18. The resolutions committee can assist you with writing your resolution if necessary. For rreference, and if you want to begin drafting your resolution, here is a link to an article from the Braille Monitor on how to draft a resolution, with helpful information on what role resolutions play in the NFB, what happens after a resolution is passed, etc. https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm14/bm1401/bm140108.htm. Many people are intimidated by resolutions because they have a complex structure with all those awkward whereas statements. However, once you get the hang of it, it?s pretty simple.
>> 
>>  
>> Deepa Goraya
>>  
>> Deepinder K. Goraya, ESQ.
>>  
> _______________________________________________
> NFBV-Announce mailing list
> NFBV-Announce at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbv-announce_nfbnet.org
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From patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com  Thu Oct 17 21:53:56 2019
From: patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com (Sarah Patnaude)
Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2019 16:53:56 -0500
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] resolutions email
References: <071b01d58516$51700c10$f4502430$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <1D75AE45-6DD6-4E69-BE1B-0D72B904B02C@yahoo.com>

> All,
>  
> Apologies, I neglected to provide my contact information for those who would like to submit resolutions/ideas. My email is deepa.goraya at gmail.com.
>  
> Sincerely,
>  
> Deeepa Goraya
>  
> Deepinder K. Goraya, ESQ.
> 
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From patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com  Thu Oct 17 21:56:38 2019
From: patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com (Sarah Patnaude)
Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2019 16:56:38 -0500
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Bus Transportation From Northern Virginia to
 Portsmouth Hotel for Convention
References: <BN8PR06MB595524383694801EEA3CCC3A986D0@BN8PR06MB5955.namprd06.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <AACD1430-F33B-4C7E-A5EF-7C9E14AEA0FA@yahoo.com>

 
> Hello Colleagues,
>  
> Our Virginia State Convention is just two weeks away.  I want to remind everyone that we are offering bus transportation from Northern Virginia to the convention hotel and  return. 
>  
> See below for details.
>  
> John Halverson
>  
> Colleagues,
>  
> Announcing bus transportation from Northern Virginia to the 2019 convention hotel and return. 
>  
> NFB of Virginia conventions are exciting and offer numerous opportunities for all of us to learn, network, and grow.  Do  not miss  this  outstanding event.
>  
> On Thursday, October 31, we plan to  leave St. Georges Episcopal Church, 915 North Oakland Street, Arlington VA 22201 at 2:00 pm.  If there is demand, we  will make brief stops to pick-up passengers in Alexandria, at the I95 rest stop exit 155 in Prince William County, the Fredericksburg Hospitality House and in Richmond.  Specific pick-up and drop-off locations will be announced soon.
>  
> The cost is $80 round trip and $40 one-way.  We accept cash, checks or credit cards.  Please make reservations before October 27. 
>  
> All sales are final.
>  
> Note that the Amtrak fare roundtrip from Alexandria to Norfolk is $92.  Our fare of $80 is  a bargain and will get you directly to our  hotel.  You do  not have the extra cost of transferring  from the Norfolk Amtrak station to the hotel.
>  
> Please make checks payable to PCNFB. 
>  
> For further information or reservations contact  John Halverson at 703-379-1141 (h), 703-867-6400 (c), or email jwh100 at outlook.com.
>  
> This will be an exciting convention and I hope you will join us.
>  
> John
>  
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From patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com  Fri Oct 18 08:01:10 2019
From: patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com (Sarah Patnaude)
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2019 03:01:10 -0500
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] 2019 Action Auction - Second Announcement
References: <00e401d5855d$c9657560$5c306020$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <A8018F9B-CB5D-4DA8-AAFA-67306B23F3BF@yahoo.com>

> 
> From Jacki Brown and Laurie Wages, Auctioneers
>  
> ACTION AUCTION 2019
>  
> Hear Ye!  Hear Ye!  The NFB of Virginia will be having an Auction at its state convention in Portsmouth, Virginia ? November 1-3, 2019
>  
> Bring your donated items to the convention.  We will be accepting items on Friday.  We?ll be auctioning a few items Friday morning at the Board meeting.  Then just like last year there will be tables set up with the items offered.  Other auction items will be offered in the meeting room during the morning session on Saturday, at the Banquet Saturday Night and in the meeting room on Sunday morning.
>  
> It is important for you to be at all the meetings and the banquet.  Otherwise you might miss out on your favorite auction item.  Items will be displayed outside the main meeting room on Friday and in the main meeting room on Saturday and Sunday.  On Friday the Action auction volunteers will accept items for auction and describe each item to all who stop by.
>  
> We will accept cash, checks or debit/credit cards.  All payments need to be received by noon on Sunday, November 3, 2019.  Individual restrictions and expiration dates apply.  Please see the items for details.  We have many great items and little time so we will be conducting the auction FAST!
>  
> For your convenience, we have listed the items we currently have to offer.  There will be additions to this list as we expect more items to arrive.  The items will not be presented for bid in the order of this list ? but by whim of the Auctioneer.
> Updated LIST OF AUCTION ITEMS AS OF 10/17/2019:
>  
> 1. Three boxes of homemade No-Bake Cookies and Chocolate Fudge made by Christopher Walker (Value $30 per Box).  Donated by Christopher Walker
>  
> 2. Brand New -A Cozy Combo pink Throw & pink /white striped Sock Gift Set, inside a white/pink Canvas 9? x 12? Tote Bag. Perfect Christmas Gift. (Value: $35.00) Donated by Mary and Jim Green, Winchester Chapter.
>  
> 3. Dinner for Six at Chez Sharon.  A gourmet dinner for six at the Soforenko household awaits you.  The finest in Modern American dining and superior wait service.  Your meal will have excellent Wine pairings and a homemade dessert.  Ask your friends about last year?s remarkable evening! (Value: Priceless!) Donated by President Tracy and Sharon Soforenko, Potomac Chapter.
>  
> 4. Purple, Lavender and White square patterned Afghan made just for you this winter.  It has fringe on two sides and is just ready to be loved.  (Value: $35 +)  Donated by the Chesapeake Bay Chapter.
>  
> 5. A Gift Basket from ?HEALTH FOOD CENTERS,? (Value: $50+) 1701 Colley Ave., Norfolk, VA. Donated by Health Food Centers.  Solicited by Deborah & Stewart Prost, Tidewater Chapter.
>  
> 6. A New Calvin Klein Woman?s Leather Purse.  Size: Medium.  Color: Coral.  (Value: Approx.: $80.00)?Deborah Post, Tidewater Chapter.
>  
> 7. American Brilliant Cut Crystal Cream and Sugar Set, Deep Cut in the Hob star Pattern.  These date from around 1905 and are unique and beautiful.  You can feel the sharp clean edges.  (Value: Approx. $50.00) Donated by Jacki and Charlie Brown, Winchester Chapter.
>  
> 8.  An IPAD Mini. (Details to follow)  Donated by Deborah and Stewart Prost, Tidewater Chapter.
>  
> 9. A Game Night Basket.  This basket will have dominos, Cards, Braille UNO, snacks and prizes for you to hold your own Game Night.  (Value: Approx. $50.00). Donated by the Peninsula Chapter.
>  
> 10. A Bamboo Mini Dumpling Steamer with a Vintage Egg Masher and a Garlic Peeler. (Value:$25.00)  Everything for a Chinese Cooking Adventure!  Donated by Sarah Blumberg, Potomac Chapter.
>  
> 11.  HomeBrite LED Smart Light Bulbs (5).  These light bulbs will work with your ?Alexa? or any SMART App.  Get with it?turn on your lights by voice or phone!  (Value: approx. $50.00) Donated by Evelyn Valdez, Greater Alexandria Chapter.
>  
> 12. New Wamsutta Queen Sheet Set Including: 1 Queen Flat Sheet, 1 Queen Fitted Sheet and 2 Standard Pillowcases. These sheets are  100% Cotton and 400 Thread count with Sateen weave.
> Great gift for yourself or others at Christmas! (Value: $50.00 +) Donated by Jacki and Charlie Brown, Winchester Chapter.
>  
> 13. Winchester Chapter Gift Basket Including: Apple Butter, Pumpkin Butter, Pear Butter, Wine, NFB Coin Holder from Virginia and other treasures.  (Value: $75.00+) Donated by Winchester Chapter.
>  
> PLEASE?PLEASE?PLEASE:  Email Jacki at-jacquelinestonebrown at comcast.net or Phone her at 793-300-5869 with items to be donated.
>  
> ANNOUNCEMENT TIME IS RUNNING OUT!
>  
> MANY MORE ITEMS FOR SALE WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON.  THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE DONATED ITEMS AND THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO WILL BID ON THESE ITEMS. 
>  
> REMEMBER: THIS IS OUR ORGANIZATION AND WE MUST INVEST IN OURSELVES!
>  
> SEE YOU AT CONVENTION!
> JACKI BROWN AND LAURIE WAGES, AUCTIONEERS
>  
>  
>  
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From patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 19 04:13:02 2019
From: patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com (Sarah Patnaude)
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2019 23:13:02 -0500
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Free Aira Access at the NFB of Virginia 61st
 Convention
References: <017f01d58620$78d3ce80$6a7b6b80$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <0E62BFF6-9848-4B40-AFBE-FAF1F9D409B4@yahoo.com>


>               From Annette Carr, 2019 NFB of Virginia Sponsor and Exhibitor Coordinator
>  
>  
> Free Aira Access at the NFB of Virginia 61st Convention
> 
>  
> 
> Thursday, October 31 at 3:00pm until
> 
> Sunday, November 3 at 3:00pm
> 
>  
> 
> Aira is very excited to be a partner with the NFB of Virginia.
> 
>  
> 
> Everyone can enjoy free access to Aira during the entire NFB of Virginia Convention. At any time, you can download the Aira app to your Smart Phone and start accessing the network of certified agents for assistance with visual tasks. Use the app to access Aira for 5 free minutes at a time from home or when you are traveling to and from the Convention. Once at the Convention in Portsmouth get unlimited access to Aira from 3pm on Thursday October 31 through 3pm on Sunday November 3.
> 
>  
> 
> Here are quick and easy instructions for downloading the Aira app onto your smart phone to get started with accessing visual information on your own terms.
> 
>  
> 
> From your Smart Phone send a text message to 24729 with the message NVA
> You?ll receive a text message back with a special link to download the free Aira app directly to your smart phone.
> If you have an iPhone, you may need your Apple ID to confirm the download.
> Downloads will be automatic on android devices. 
> Once you have downloaded the Aira app, just sign in with your phone number.
> A code will be sent to you via text message. Enter the code and you?re in! No credit card needed.
>  
> 
> All calls while at the Convention are free and unlimited, and all other calls when not in a free Aira Access Area are free for up to five minutes.
> 
>  
> 
> Making your first Aira call is simple. In the middle of the screen is a button reading Call Aira from phone. Double tap it and get connected to a highly trained agent who can describe any visual information you need. 
> 
>  
> 
> If you are not sure about all this, stop by the Exhibits Information table for information about an Aira Ambassador to help you get started. 
> 
>  
> 
> Want more information about Aira? Call us at 1.800.835.1934 or learn about us at www.aira.io.
>  
>  
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From patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com  Sat Oct 19 19:13:48 2019
From: patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com (Sarah Patnaude)
Date: Sat, 19 Oct 2019 14:13:48 -0500
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] 2019 NFB of Virginia Final Convention Agenda
References: <004d01d586a2$641af590$2c50e0b0$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <B7BEA8B2-A781-45FC-A53C-EB2B4DDC761A@yahoo.com>


>  
> From Tracy Soforenko, President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia President
>  
> Please find below and attached the final agenda for the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia  convention.
> 
>  
> Empowerment: Owning Your Future
> 61st ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION
>  
> NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF VIRGINIA
> Tracy Soforenko, President
>  
> Friday, November 1 ? Sunday, November 3, 2019
>  
> Renaissance Portsmouth
> 425 Water Street
> Portsmouth, Virginia 23704
> (757) 673-3000
>  
> Co-Hosted by The Tidewater and Peninsula Chapters OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF VIRGINIA
> Stewart Prost and Uricka Harrison, Presidents
> Our National Representative:
> Ron Brown, Second Vice President, National Federation of the Blind 
> 
> TABLE OF CONTENTS
> Table of Contents                                   2
> The Federation Pledge                           4
> Convention Registration & Information                                                                  4
> Meal Functions                                      4
> Door Prizes                                           5
> Action Auction                                       5
> Information Table                                  6
> Childcare                                               6
> Dog Relief Area                                     7
> Assistive Listening Devices                   8
> Hospitality Suite                                    8
> Daylight Saving Time                            8
> Free Aira Access at the NFB of Virginia Convention                                              9
> Thursday, October 31, 2019                 11
> Friday, November 1, 2019                    11
> General Session                                  11
> Friday Afternoon Concurrent Seminars                                                            14
> Saturday, November 2, 2019                18
> General Session                                  18
> Lunch Breakout Sessions                   20
> Saturday Afternoon Breakout Sessions                                                            22
> 2019 Convention Banquet                   24
> Sunday, November 3, 2019                  26
> General Session                                  26
> Thank You to our Sponsors and Exhibitors                                              28
> Dream Makers Circle                            31
> Vehicle Donations                                 31
>  
> 
>  
> THE FEDERATION PLEDGE
> ?I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its Constitution.?
>  
> CONVENTION REGISTRATION & INFORMATION
> Convention registration and information will be held at the Portsmouth Registration Desk, located on the 2nd Floor outside the Portsmouth ballrooms. The cost of on-site registration is $25. Pre-registration packet pick up and on-site registration will be open at the following times:
>  
> Thursday, October 31 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
> Friday, November 1 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.; from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, and  
> 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
> Saturday, November 2 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
>  
> Door prizes and auction items can be brought to the registration desk beginning on Thursday evening.
>  
> MEAL FUNCTIONS
> Tickets for all meal functions are available at the registration desk while supplies last. The only way to ensure a ticket for meal functions is to pre-register.
>  
> Banquet: Banquet tickets may be purchased, while supplies last, onsite for $37. Seating will be open, so come early to get seats together. Do not forget to bring your ticket because tickets will be checked at the door.
>  
> Box Lunch: If you did not pre-register for a boxed lunch, tickets may be purchased onsite, while supplies last, for $17.50. Box lunch tickets will be sold for both Friday and Saturday and must be used for the specific day purchased. In addition, a very limited number of student lunch tickets may be available for those who did not pre-register for $8. 
>  
> Note: For more information about hotel, registration or meal functions, please contact Joe Orozco at (202) 810-4023 or via email at jsorozco at gmail.com
>  
> DOOR PRIZES
> Door prizes will be drawn periodically throughout convention sessions on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and at the banquet. To be eligible for door prizes, you must be registered for the convention and present in the room when your name is called.
>  
> ACTION AUCTION
> Throughout the convention we will be holding an Action Auction to raise money for the affiliate. The auction will be great fun with many valuable items up for bid. You will have a chance to preview auction items on Friday afternoon in the exhibit area. For more information, contact Jacki Brown, Chairperson and Auctioneer.
>  
> INFORMATION TABLE
> If you need assistance from the NFB of Virginia (such as helping a blind child get a strong education, getting access to blindness skills training, learning to use NFB-NEWSLINE?, or resolving an employment discrimination problem), please go to the information table in the back of the Portsmouth 5 Ballroom. Additionally, if you have questions concerning accessing services from the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, the information table can be a resource for guidance. After the convention, a member of the NFB of Virginia will contact you. In addition, if you would like to sign up to receive any of our publications or would like to get regular updates about our programs and legislative efforts, please also visit the information table. The table will be open during the board meeting, after the opening ceremonies on Friday, during General Session on Saturday, and all morning on Sunday. For more information, please contact Alex Castillo at (917) 532-7439.
>  
> CHILDCARE
> Childcare is available for infants through fifth graders whose parents are registered for the convention. It is available throughout the day on Friday and Saturday. Childcare is in the Jefferson Room, 1st Floor. We have activities and games for the children. For more information, please contact Uricka Harrison at (757) 349-9234.
>  
> Childcare is offered at the following times:
>  
> Session 1: Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
> Session 2: Friday, 12:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
> Session 3: Friday, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
> Session 4: Saturday, 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
> Session 5: Saturday, 12:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
> Session 6: Saturday, 6:45 p.m. to one half hour after the banquet ends
>  
> Snacks will be provided during Sessions 1, 2, 4 and 5. Even though childcare will be open and fully staffed during lunch on both Friday and Saturday, lunch will not be provided. Parents should either pick their children up for lunch at the end of Session 1 and Session 4 or provide a lunch for their children in the childcare room. Also, dinner will not be provided on Friday or Saturday evening. Parents should feed their children dinner prior to bringing them to Session 6. The cost of childcare is $10 per family per session.
>  
> DOG RELIEF AREA
> The Renaissance Hotel has designated a place for dog relief by proceeding out the doors across from the front desk in the lobby of the hotel. The designated place has a trash receptacle near the hotel entrance. Please do not use the terrace on the 2nd floor for dog relief.
>  
> ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES
> A limited number of assistive listening devices are available during all convention sessions and at the banquet. For an assistive listening device, please go to the contact table located in the back of the hall during all convention general sessions. A credit card or identification card is required as a deposit for the equipment.
>  
>  
> HOSPITALITY SUITE
> The Convention Hospitality Suite is the Commodore Room on the 2nd floor. The Commodore Room is located just off the elevator bank, in the opposite direction of all other conference rooms.
>  
> DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
> Don?t forget to set your watches back one hour for the change that occurs early Sunday morning. Smart phones, of course, should handle this change automatically.
>  
> 
>  
> FREE AIRA ACCESS AT THE NFB OF VIRGINIA CONVENTION
>  
> Thursday, October 31 at 3:00pm until
> Sunday, November 3 at 3:00pm
>  
> Aira is very excited to be a partner with the NFB of Virginia.
>  
> Everyone can enjoy free access to Aira during the entire NFB of Virginia Convention. At any time, you can download the Aira app to your Smart Phone and start accessing the network of certified agents for assistance with visual tasks. Use the app to access Aira for 5 free minutes at a time from home or when you are traveling to and from the Convention. Once at the Convention in Portsmouth get unlimited access to Aira from 3pm on Thursday October 31 through 3pm on Sunday November 3.
>  
> Here are quick and easy instructions for downloading the Aira app onto your smart phone to get started with accessing visual information on your own terms.
>  
> From your Smart Phone send a text message to 24729 with the message NVA
> You?ll receive a text message back with a special link to download the free Aira app directly to your smart phone.
> If you have an iPhone, you may need your Apple ID to confirm the download.
> Downloads will be automatic on android devices. 
> Once you have downloaded the Aira app, just sign in with your phone number.
> A code will be sent to you via text message. Enter the code and you?re in! No credit card needed.
>  
> All calls while at the Convention are free and unlimited, and all other calls when not in a free Aira Access Area are free for up to five minutes.
>  
> Making your first Aira call is simple. In the middle of the screen is a button reading Call Aira from phone. Double tap it and get connected to a highly trained agent who can describe any visual information you need. 
>  
> If you are not sure about all this, stop by the Exhibits Information table for information about an Aira Ambassador to help you get started. 
>  
> Want more information about Aira? Call us at 1.800.835.1934 or learn about us at www.aira.io
>  
> 
>  
> THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2019
>  
> 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Virginia Chapter Leadership Institute (CLI) Wrap Up / Ramp Up: Commodore Room; Joe Orozco and Domonique Lawless, Co-Chairs. By invitation only. We are continuing the Virginia Chapter Leadership Institute. This weekend?s CLI event both completes year one and starts year two.
>  
> 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Registration: Portsmouth Registration Desk.
>  
> FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019
>  
> 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Registration: Portsmouth Registration Desk.
>  
> 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. NFB of Virginia Board of Directors Meeting and Chapter Reports (Open to All): Portsmouth 5 Ballroom.
>  
> GENERAL SESSION
> Portsmouth 5 Ballroom
>  
> 10:00 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. Opening Ceremonies:
> Call to Order - Tracy Soforenko, President, NFB of Virginia
> Invocation - Cantor Wendi Fried, Congregation Beth El, Norfolk Virginia
> Presentation of the Colors
> Pledge of Allegiance
> Federation Pledge
> Star Spangled Banner ?Julie McGinnity, President, NFB Performing Arts Division, Baltimore, Maryland
> Welcome to Portsmouth, Mayor John Rowe, Portsmouth, Virginia
> Greetings from Our Host Chapters ? Stewart Prost, President, Tidewater Chapter, Norfolk, Virginia and Uricka Harrison, President, Peninsula Chapter, Newport News, Virginia
> Convention Arrangements - Joe Orozco, Chairperson, Convention Organization and Arrangements
>  
> 10:20 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Introducing the Portsmouth Regatta. Christopher Walker and Earl Everett, Fundraising Committee
>  
> 10:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. Betting on Success: Reflections from Virginia?s 2019 McDonald Fellows and Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship Fund Winners:
> Moderator: Mary Durbin, Chairperson, McDonald Fellowship Committee, and NFB of Virginia Liaison, Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship Fund Committee, Virginia Beach, Virginia
> Lois Fritz, Newport News, Virginia
> Andrea Ortiz, Burke, Virginia
> Kassahun Sahilu, Alexandria, Virginia
> Yvette Williams, Newport News, Virginia
>  
> 10:50 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Action Auction.
>  
> 11:00 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. Cane, Punch, Choke, and Throw: Martial Arts and Fitness as a Blind Person, Alex Castillo, Potomac Chapter, Washington DC.
>  
> 11:10 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. Serving My Country ? Building My Business. Jimmy Cunningham, Vice President, Virginia Merchants Division and Vice Chair, Virginia Business Opportunities for the Blind Board, Prince George, Virginia.
>  
> 11:20 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. Action Auction.
>  
> 11:25 a.m. to 11:35 a.m. Disability Partnership in Action. Colleen Miller, Executive Director ? Virginia Disability Law Center, Richmond Virginia.
>  
> 11:35 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. NFB Training Centers: The Next Generation ? Jennifer Kennedy, Executive Director, Blindness Learning In New Dimensions (BLIND Inc.) Minneapolis, Minnesota.
>  
> 11:50 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Announcements.
>  
> 12:00 p.m. General Session Adjourns.
>  
> 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Registration: Portsmouth Registration Desk.
>  
> 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. Box lunch pick-up: Portsmouth Foyer.
>  
> 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Exhibits: Portsmouth Foyer. Annette Carr, Exhibits Coordinator.
>  
> 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Embracing Our Diversity: Empowering Our Community: Portsmouth 4BallRoom. Evelyn Valdez and Amir Rahimi ? Coordinators
> The National Federation of the Blind recognizes that our diversity is a core strength. This lunch, featuring Jean Brown as our keynote, will feature the stories from across the Virginia Federation Family and will discuss ways we can make our community more inclusive and vibrant.
>  
> FRIDAY AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SEMINARS
>  
> 
> 2:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Owning Your Finances Seminar - Joe Orozco, Chair, Portsmouth 5 Ballroom.
> 
> 2:00 PM Your Money or Your Life
> 
> 2:10 PM Financial Scams and How to Spot Them
> 
> 3:00 PM The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn't Have to Be Complicated
> 
> 3:25 PM The Ultimate Budget Strategy
> 
> 3:50 PM To Buy, or Not to Buy Coffee: Perspectives on Everyday Spending Choices
> 
> 4:30 PM Next Steps
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Seniors Possibilities Fair ? Nancy Yeager, President, Seniors division, Portsmouth 7 and 8 Ballrooms.
> Have you stopped reading the newspaper or books, writing checks or other correspondence, or completing other tasks that require vision?  If the answer is yes to any of the above, join us to learn about low- or no-cost solutions to these and other aspects of your daily life. 
>  
> 4:00p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Resolutions Committee: Portsmouth 6 Ballroom, Deepa Goraya, Chairperson.
> We encourage the participation of all members in setting Federation policy, and the best way to influence policy is through resolutions. As a grass roots organization, we serve our movement through collective action, and such action begins with policy making and debate. Come help shape the policies of the NFB of Virginia.
>  
> 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Registration, Portsmouth Registration Desk.
>  
> 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Public Meeting on DBVI Divisions, Programs and Services: Portsmouth 5 Ballroom, Susan K. Davis, Policy and Training Coordinator, Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired.
> We are grateful that DBVI will hold a public meeting where attendees can ask questions and speak with agency leadership. DBVI wants to hear from you so come and share your thoughts and ideas on how DBVI can better meet the needs of blind and low vision Virginians.  Let your voice be heard.
> 
>  
> 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. At-Large Chapter Meeting and Reception: Commodore Room, Patrick Johnson, President.
>  
> 6:30 p.m. to 7:30p.m. Student Dinner Party: Commodore Room, Elizabeth Schoen, Coordinator, Virginia Association of Blind Students.
> Join the Virginia student division leaders and members for fellowship with old and new friends to kick off the convention weekend. Open and free to all students over the age of 14.
>  
> 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Convention Hospitality: Portsmouth 4 Ballroom.
> Hosted by the Tidewater and Peninsula Chapters, Stewart Prost and Uricka Harrison, Presidents. All registered convention attendees are welcome to join us for this fun evening of fellowship and hospitality featuring music and fun. Don?t forget your ticket provided with your registration to enter this event. Mix, mingle, and network with Federation members and distinguished guests, all while enjoying appetizers and a cash bar.
>  
> 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Student Meet & Greet, Kelly Jones, Coordinator, Virginia Association of Blind Students, Portsmouth 6 Ballroom.
> If you are a student of any age, this evening item is for you! Think interactive icebreakers, engaging discussion, and high energy programming all in one session! Join students across the Commonwealth to share, learn, and grow until late hours of the evening.
>  
>  
> 7:45 to 8:45 PM Friday Evening Cookie Social for Families of Blind Children Commodore Room, Beth Sellers, President, Virginia Parents of Blind Children.
> Calling all blind kids ages 0-13, siblings and parents!  Join us for cookies and drinks and a chance to meet other families from across the state.  Bring any Braille or large print books your child no longer needs and pick up some free books from our free Braille book exchange table.  (Email bsellers31 at gmail.com with questions and any food allergies we need to be aware of).
>  
>  
> 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Young Professional Reception, Susie D?Mello and Evelyn Valdez, Coordinators, Commodore Room.
> Are you a young professional looking for something exciting to do on Friday evening? Come mingle, make new connections, and enjoy a drink or two at the Young Professionals reception in the commodore Room.
>  
> 10:15 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. Scholarship Mixer: Commodore Room, Patrick Johnson, Chairperson.
>  
> 
> SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019
>  
> 8:00 a.m. to 10:00a.m. Registration: Portsmouth Registration Desk.
>  
> GENERAL SESSION
> Portsmouth 5 Ballroom
>  
> 9:00 a.m. Call to Order -Tracy Soforenko, President, NFB of Virginia.
>  
> 9:00 a.m. to 9:05 a.m. Invocation ? Reverend Chris Coleman, Assistant Minister, Gethsemane Baptist Church, Peninsula Chapter, Hampton Virginia.
>  
> 9:05 a.m. to 9:35 a.m. National Report ? Ron Brown, Second Vice President, National Federation of the Blind, Indianapolis, Indiana.
>  
> 9:35 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. Action Auction.
>  
> 9:40 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Blind Parents Get It Done.
> Jessica Reed, Panel Moderator, Fredericksburg, Virginia
> Yasiah Hurtado, Richmond, Virginia
> Nikki Jeffords, Arlington, Virginia
> Louise Walsh, Virginia Beach, Virginia
>  
>  
> 10:00 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. Project RISE: Resilience, Independence, Self-Advocacy, Employment. Kathryn Webster, Project RISE Program Coordinator, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia, Arlington, Virginia.
>  
> 10:10 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. Advocating for Our Children: Addressing Our Kid?s Needs. Beth Sellers, President, Virginia Organization of Parents of Blind Children, Harrisonburg, Virginia.
>  
> 10:20 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. Celebrating Our Members - Sandy Halverson, First Vice President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia, Arlington, Virginia.
>  
> 10:40 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Open Doors and New Beginnings-The Future Really Is Mine:  A Panel Discussion with Seniors Who Are Living the Lives They Want:
> Melody Roane, Director, Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired, Moderator, Richmond Virginia
> Frances Dowling, Petersburg, Virginia
> Matt Heard, Burke Virginia
> Lora Shreffler, Ashland, Virginia
>  
> 11:00 a.m. to 11:05 a.m. Introducing the 2019 NFB of Virginia James F. Nelson, Jr. Scholarship Finalists. Patrick Johnson, Chairperson.
>  
> 11:05 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. Rehabilitation Services for the Blind in Virginia. Raymond Hopkins, Commissioner, Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired.
>  
> 11:20 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. Announcements.
>  
> 11:25 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Action Auction.
>  
> 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Presidential Report, Tracy Soforenko, President, NFB of Virginia.
>  
> 12:00 p.m. General Session Adjourns.
>  
> LUNCH BREAKOUT SESSIONS
>  
> 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. Box Lunch Pickup: Portsmouth Foyer.
>  
> 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. 2019 Welcome Luncheon, Joanne Wilson and Jimmy Morris, Co-Coordinators, Portsmouth 4 Ballroom. Whether you are a member who wants to get more out of your membership, are a new member, or just want to learn from others in this interactive lunch-based discussion session, the Welcome Lunch is for you.
> Learn more about the Federation and our positive philosophy on blindness, understand how you can better tap the broad Federation network, and be inspired to take ideas home from positive role models in our movement.
>  
> 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Seniors Division Luncheon and Business Meeting, Portsmouth 7 and 8 Ballrooms. Nancy Yeager, President. Join other seniors for lunch and conversation, followed by a short business meeting.
>  
> 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Virginia Association of Blind Merchants Division Luncheon and Business Meeting: Portsmouth 6 Ballroom. Harold Wilson, President.
>  
> 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Virginia Parents of Blind Children Luncheon and Business Meeting: Portsmouth 6 Ballroom. Beth Sellers, President.
> Grab the boxed lunch or bring your own, but please join us for our business meeting and parents? lunch.  Our lunch hour is an informal roundtable conversation for parents of children of all ages with low vision, blindness, deaf-blindness, and multiple disabilities.  
>  
>  
> 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Student Luncheon and Virginia Association of Blind Students Business Meeting: Commodore Room. Gerald Meredith, President, Virginia Association of Blind Students.
> Student Lunch pick up will be held in the Commodore Room starting at 12:05 p.m. Students are the leaders of tomorrow. During our annual luncheon, our members will elect the officers and board members for the upcoming year, as well as reflect and brainstorm on the work of our statewide division. Pre-register online for the $8 lunch by October 25.
>  
>  
> 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Registration, Portsmouth Registration Desk.
>  
> SATURDAY AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS
>  
> 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Chapter Leadership University: Portsmouth 4 Ballroom, Ron Brown and Kathryn Webster, Coordinators.
> Chapter Presidents, Treasurers, membership coordinators, and participants in the chapter leadership institute will participate in a Saturday afternoon workshop on how to make our chapters more engaging, welcoming, and dynamic. Role play real life scenarios and bring home ideas that can be applied in your chapter in 2020.
> 
>  
> 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The ABCs of Life Portsmouth 5 Ballroom, Nicky Jeffords, John Bailey, Martha Macias, and Rich Sorey, Co-Coordinators.
> The ABCs of Life; A = Attitude, B = Breaking Down Barriers, C = Creating Connections. Come and learn about strategies necessary to earn, retain, and advance your brand in the professional and personal spheres.  This interactive session will provide you with tips and techniques to meet your full potential.
>  
> 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. ? Student Seminar: Surpassing Our Limitations. Commodore Room, Gerald Meredith, Virginia Association of Blind Students, President.
> Every blind student faces barriers; and every blind student overcomes obstacles. But not every blind student has a nationwide network of role models who conquered greatness given society?s limitations. During this seminar, you will be introduced to successful and ambitious blind professionals and students, confident and independent throughout their lives. This afternoon will afford all students with an opportunity to ask questions, learn from others, and engage in hands-on activities to learn how to excel in and out of the classroom.
>  
> 2:00 p.m. to 4:30p.m. Parent Track: Encouraging Success in All Ages and Stages. Portsmouth 6 Ballroom, Beth Sellers, President, Virginia Parents of Blind Children.
> Join us as we dig into resources that are available in Virginia to promote success for blind children and young adults in all stages of development.  Topics discussed will include IEPs, Transition, and Community Based Services through DD Waiver. Question and Answer time will be available for topics relevant to participants.
>  
> 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Senior Track: Seniors in Charge: Portsmouth 7 and 8 Ballrooms, Nancy Yeager, President. Our exciting senior seminar will cover a broad range of topics including health and fitness, grocery shopping, new mobile phone options specifically targeting seniors, how to use easy to use reader services through a smartphone, programs of our national senior division, and much more.
>  
> 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Project RISE Open House for Virginia students and parents: Portsmouth 6 Ballroom, Kathryn Webster, Project RISE Program Coordinator. Learn more about Project RISE, meet our team and ask your questions.
>  
> 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sighted Spouse/Significant Other/Partner Get Together, Diane Bibb (wife of Dr. Patrick Johnson) and Sharon Soforenko (wife of Affiliate President Tracy Soforenko) Coordinators, Commodore Room.
> Come join us for an informal, candid and open conversation between sighted partners of Virginia Federationists.  To encourage sharing, this meeting is for sighted spouses only.
>  
> 2019 CONVENTION BANQUET
>  
> Portsmouth 4 and 5 Ballrooms.
>  
> In Federation fashion, come dressed to impress as we celebrate our Banquet on the Waterfront with a keynote address by National Representative Ron Brown.
>  
> 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Pre-Banquet Reception (Cash Bar): Portsmouth Foyer.
>  
> 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Banquet Program ? Charlie Brown, Master of Ceremonies and Past President, NFB of Virginia:
> Invocation?David Andrews, New Beginnings Outreach Center, Peninsula Chapter, Hampden, Virginia.
> A Friend in Congress. The Honorable Robert ?Bobby? Scott, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd Congressional District of Virginia.
> 2019 James F. Nelson Scholarship Awards Presentation?Patrick Johnson, Scholarship Committee Chairperson, Christiansburg, Virginia
> Banquet Address ? Ron Brown, Second Vice President, National Federation of the Blind
> Portsmouth Regatta
> Action Auction - Jacki Brown, Auctioneer
>  
> 
> SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019
>  
> 8:00 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. Devotions: Portsmouth 6 ballroom.
> Mark and Melody Roane, Coordinators
>  
> GENERAL SESSION
> Portsmouth 5 Ballroom.
>  
> 9:00 a.m. to 9:05 a.m. Invocation ? Deborah Prost, Board Member, Tidewater Chapter, Norfolk, Virginia.
>  
> 9:05 a.m. to 9:25 a.m. Be Your Own Boss.
> Annette Carr, Moderator, Fairfax, Virginia
> Have you ever considered if you have what it takes to be your own boss?  Make your own hours.  Answer to no one. Bring in the big bucks.  Hear what this panel of entrepreneurs have to say about the myths and facts of being your own boss.
>  
> 9:25 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. Business Session:
> Audit Committee Report?Sean McMahon, Chairperson
> Treasurer?s Report?Mark Roane, Treasurer
> SUN Committee Report: Sandy Halverson, Chairperson
> 2020 Richmond and Washington Seminars?Deepa Goraya and Derek Manners, Legislative Directors
> 2020 National Convention, June 30 - July 5, Hilton Americas Hotel, Houston, Texas
> 2020 NFB of Virginia Convention, October 30 ? November 1, Westin Tyson?s Corner, Falls church, Virginia
> Resolutions?Deepa Goraya, Chairperson
>  
> 10:10 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. Action Auction.
>  
> 10:20 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Interactive Town Hall Discussion with Ron Brown, Second Vice President, National Federation of the Blind and Tracy Soforenko, President.
>  
> 11:00 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.  Action Auction
>  
> 11:10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Breaking the Ropes: an interactive session on owning your future, Joanne Wilson, Federation Leader, Alexandria, Virginia. An interactive session to build your individual beliefs about blindness for future growth. 
>  
> 11:30 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. Students are Paving the Path for Our Future ? Sied Rizvi, First Vice President, National Association of Blind Students, Austin, Texas.
>  
> 11:40 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. Virginia Association of Blind Students Update, Gerald Meredith, President.
>  
> 11:50 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Reports and Announcements.
>  
> 12:00 p.m. General Session Adjourns.
>  
> 12:00 to 1:00 PM Project RISE Lunch Pick Up ? Commodore Room
>  
> Thank you to our Tidewater and Peninsula Chapters for hosting the 2019 NFB of Virginia State Convention. Your hospitality made us feel like family and made our convention a success.
>  
> THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS
>  
> Please thank this year?s Convention Sponsors and Exhibitors located in the hallway outside the Ballrooms on Friday, November 1 from 12:00pm until 5:00pm.
>  
> SPONSORS
> Aira ? Free access to Aira from Thursday October 31 at 3:00pm until Sunday November 3 at 3:00pm.  Aira promotes independence through the use of modern technology and real-time remote assistance to visual information for those with vision loss. At the press of a button, you are immediately connected to a network of certified Agents who can assist you with a never-ending list of visual tasks. 858-876-2472 www.aira.io 
>  
>  
>  
>  
>  
> EXHIBITORS
> Bureau of Engraving and Printing ? Distribution of the free iBill Currency Readers. 202-874-2608 www.bep.gov
> Christian Ministry Teachers ? Free Bible literature in Braille, large print, audio, and RTF formats. 703-989-2230 JW.ORG
> Sprint Vision - Sprint is committed to working with phone manufacturers and the blind and low vision community to deliver user-friendly accessible phones. 619-246-7107 www.Sprint.com/Vision
> Ultra-Low Vision Lab, Wilmer Eye Institute ? Research study using virtual reality to understand how people with extremely limited vision use what vision they have. The research team is looking for study participants.  Stop by their table and see if you are a good candidate.  424-398-1727 https://www.ultralowvisionlabjhu.net/
> Virginia Beach Public Library Bayside Area & Special Services - In cooperation with the National Library Service (NLS) for the Blind and Print Disabled, provides library services to Virginia Beach residents with visual and physical disabilities. 757-385-2684 www.vbgov.com/libraries
> Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired ? VRCBVI provides quality training in the skills of blindness and promotes positive attitudes about the capabilities of blind individuals to make positive contributions at work and in the community.  In addition to the training program we offer for adults, we also offer innovative and fun programs for blind youth that will challenge them to reach their full potential.  Learn about these and other exciting initiatives at VRCBVI! 804-371-3323 https://www.vrcbvi.org 
> Vispero ? Known for the screen reading package JAWS, and screen magnification package ZoomText, also provides assistive technology for blindness and low vision such as portable and desktop electronic magnification devices, refreshable braille displays, note taking devices, and more. 800-444-4443 www.vispero.com  
> Volunteers for the Blind - Connects people with visual impairments in the Fredericksburg area with volunteers to assist with shopping and reading. 540-899-8847
>  
>  
> 
> DREAM MAKERS CIRCLE
>  
> You can help build a future of opportunity for the blind by becoming a member of our Dream Makers Circle. Your legacy gift to the National Federation of the Blind or the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia can be made in the form of a will or living trust, an income generating gift, or by naming us as the beneficiary of a retirement plan, IRA, pension, or a life insurance policy. You can designate a specific amount, a percentage, or list NFB as one of several beneficiaries. For additional information, please contact Patti Chang at (410) 659-9314, extension 2422 or at pchang at nfb.org.
>  
> VEHICLE DONATIONS
>  
> The National Federation of the Blind uses car donations to improve the education of blind children, distribute free white canes, help veterans, and so much more. We have partnered with Vehicles for Charity to process donated vehicles. Please call toll-free (855) 659-9314, and a representative can make arrangements, or you can donate online by visiting www.nfb.org/vehicledonations.
>  
>  
>  
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From jsorozco at gmail.com  Mon Oct 21 00:06:25 2019
From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco)
Date: Sun, 20 Oct 2019 20:06:25 -0400
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Convention Operation Notes
Message-ID: <015601d587a3$61524be0$23f6e3a0$@gmail.com>

Dear all,

 

Here are some pertinent details for the upcoming convention. Please read in
its entirety to minimize confusion in Portsmouth.

 


Climate Control


 

That is to say, we don't have any. As much as I would love to promise we'll
take a Goldie Locks approach to your comfort in the various ballrooms,
please kindly bring warm clothing for the inevitable times when you might
get chilly.

 


Dietary Functions


 

The deadline to express your dietary wish is this coming Friday, October 25
at 5 PM. Please send all box lunch and banquet requests to Sandy Halverson
via email: sjh300 at outlook.com <mailto:sjh300 at outlook.com> .

 


Meal Tickets


 

At registration you will receive tickets for the hospitality event on Friday
evening, box lunches, and banquet. Please work extra hard at not losing
these tickets, especially the meal tickets. If they are lost, you will need
to purchase new ones. I have been vocal about my dislike of this system, but
since I have not been vocal about coming up with a better alternative, I too
will have to make sure I do not lose my tickets. No exceptions. For banquet
in particular, absolutely every person in that room must have a ticket to
help us with accounting after the convention. If you have a question about
who may already be covered, ask now, not at the banquet.

 


Restaurant Menus


 

The host chapters are kindly having the hotel restaurant menus embossed. For
your convenience, I've also posted downloadable menus on the convention
landing page <http://nfbv.org/convention>  under the Meal Functions section.
There are different files for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

 


Check Out on Sunday


 

Regular checkout from the hotel is 11 AM. This property normally charges for
late checkout and for luggage storage. I've gotten them to waive the luggage
storage fees, but please, before coming down for General Session at 9 AM,
drop your things off at the front desk. Let's do our best to avoid the
craziness we experienced last year.

 


Hospitality Suite


 

This year the Commodore Room will serve as our hospitality suite throughout
the weekend. Several groups will be utilizing the Commodore Room. Please
kindly build cleanup into your time slot and task someone from within your
own group to oversee the cleanup process so that we may easily transition
from one function to the next. Though we are doing our best to provide
coolers, please plan on there being no refrigeration for your food and
beverages. There will be two large trash cans for disposal. Jacki Bruce is
my designated traffic cop and general hospitality coordinator. Whatever she
says is right.

 


Alcohol Consumption in Hospitality Suite


 

Groups may provide alcohol in the Commodore Suite, as appropriate; however,
it is up to you to ensure no alcohol is served to minors, under no
circumstance, for any reason.

 


Convention Agenda


 

The convention agenda can now be downloaded from, or viewed on, the
affiliate website. Please visit the convention landing page
<http://nfbv.org/convention>  for details. Note that the online version
features links to certain speakers and their companies as a means of making
the agenda a little more interactive. This is just a little experimentation
on my part to help you more easily connect with speakers in the program.

 


Connecting with Me


 

If you need me for convention-related questions or concerns throughout the
weekend, you can reach me at: 202-810-4023. Issues with your guest room
should be taken directly to the hotel.

 

If I haven't covered something here, do feel free to reply to this message
and let me know.

 

It's going to be a great convention. Our president has worked hard on making
this an exceptional program. I myself am very excited to see you there, and
if we've never met, please make a point to stop me and shake hands.
Preparing for this thing is always so much more worth it when I can
associate the convention with individual guests.

 

Joe Orozco, Convention Operations

 

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From patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com  Mon Oct 21 23:42:15 2019
From: patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com (Sarah Patnaude)
Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2019 23:42:15 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] 2019 NFB of Virginia Final Convention Agenda
In-Reply-To: <B7BEA8B2-A781-45FC-A53C-EB2B4DDC761A@yahoo.com>
References: <004d01d586a2$641af590$2c50e0b0$@gmail.com>
	<B7BEA8B2-A781-45FC-A53C-EB2B4DDC761A@yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <1465911838.116194.1571701335601@mail.yahoo.com>



>From Tracy Soforenko, President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia President 

 ?

Please find below and attached the final agenda for the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia ?convention.







?

Empowerment: Owning Your Future

61st ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION

 ?

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF VIRGINIA

Tracy Soforenko, President

 ?

Friday, November 1 ? Sunday, November 3, 2019

 ?

Renaissance Portsmouth 

425 Water Street

Portsmouth, Virginia 23704

(757) 673-3000

 ?

Co-Hosted by The Tidewater and Peninsula Chapters OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF VIRGINIA

Stewart Prost and Uricka Harrison, Presidents 

Our National Representative:

Ron Brown, Second Vice President, National Federation of the Blind 



Table of Contents

Table of Contents?????????????????????????????????? 2

The Federation Pledge?????????????????????????? 4

Convention Registration & Information????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 4

Meal Functions????????????????????????????????????? 4

Door Prizes?????????????????????????????????????????? 5

Action Auction?????????????????????????????????????? 5

Information Table????????????????????????????????? 6

Childcare?????????????????????????????????????????????? 6

Dog Relief Area???????????????????????????????????? 7

Assistive Listening Devices?????????????????? 8

Hospitality Suite??????????????????????????????????? 8

Daylight Saving Time??????????????????????????? 8

Free Aira Access at the NFB of Virginia Convention????????????????????????????????????????????? 9

Thursday, October 31, 2019???????????????? 11

Friday, November 1, 2019??????????????????? 11

General Session????????????????????????????????? 11

Friday Afternoon Concurrent Seminars??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 14

Saturday, November 2, 2019??????????????? 18

General Session????????????????????????????????? 18

Lunch Breakout Sessions?????????????????? 20

Saturday Afternoon Breakout Sessions??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 22

2019 Convention Banquet?????????????????? 24

Sunday, November 3, 2019????????????????? 26

General Session????????????????????????????????? 26

Thank You to our Sponsors and Exhibitors????????????????????????????????????????????? 28

Dream Makers Circle??????????????????????????? 31

Vehicle Donations???????????????????????????????? 31

 ?


 ?

The Federation Pledge

?I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its Constitution.? 

 ?

Convention Registration & Information

Convention registration and information will be held at the Portsmouth Registration Desk, located on the 2nd Floor outside the Portsmouth ballrooms. The cost of on-site registration is $25. Pre-registration packet pick up and on-site registration will be open at the following times:

 ?
   
   - Thursday, October 31 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 
   - Friday, November 1 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.; from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, and?    
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
   - Saturday, November 2 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

 ?

Door prizes and auction items can be brought to the registration desk beginning on Thursday evening. 

 ?

Meal Functions 

Tickets for all meal functions are available at the registration desk while supplies last. The only way to ensure a ticket for meal functions is to pre-register. 

 ?

Banquet: Banquet tickets may be purchased, while supplies last, onsite for $37. Seating will be open, so come early to get seats together. Do not forget to bring your ticket because tickets will be checked at the door.

 ?

Box Lunch: If you did not pre-register for a boxed lunch, tickets may be purchased onsite, while supplies last, for $17.50. Box lunch tickets will be sold for both Friday and Saturday and must be used for the specific day purchased. In addition, a very limited number of student lunch tickets may be available for those who did not pre-register for $8.? 

 ?

Note: For more information about hotel, registration or meal functions, please contact Joe Orozco at (202) 810-4023 or via email at jsorozco at gmail.com

 ?

Door Prizes

Door prizes will be drawn periodically throughout convention sessions on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and at the banquet. To be eligible for door prizes, you must be registered for the convention and present in the room when your name is called.

 ?

Action Auction

Throughout the convention we will be holding an Action Auction to raise money for the affiliate. The auction will be great fun with many valuable items up for bid. You will have a chance to preview auction items on Friday afternoon in the exhibit area. For more information, contact Jacki Brown, Chairperson and Auctioneer.

 ?

Information Table

If you need assistance from the NFB of Virginia (such as helping a blind child get a strong education, getting access to blindness skills training, learning to use NFB-NEWSLINE?, or resolving an employment discrimination problem), please go to the information table in the back of the Portsmouth 5 Ballroom. Additionally, if you have questions concerning accessing services from the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, the information table can be a resource for guidance. After the convention, a member of the NFB of Virginia will contact you. In addition, if you would like to sign up to receive any of our publications or would like to get regular updates about our programs and legislative efforts, please also visit the information table. The table will be open during the board meeting, after the opening ceremonies on Friday, during General Session on Saturday, and all morning on Sunday. For more information, please contact Alex Castillo at (917) 532-7439.

 ?

Childcare

Childcare is available for infants through fifth graders whose parents are registered for the convention. It is available throughout the day on Friday and Saturday. Childcare is in the Jefferson Room, 1st Floor. We have activities and games for the children. For more information, please contact Uricka Harrison at (757) 349-9234.

 ?

Childcare is offered at the following times:

 ?
   
   - Session 1: Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
   - Session 2: Friday, 12:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. 
   - Session 3: Friday, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
   - Session 4: Saturday, 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
   - Session 5: Saturday, 12:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. 
   - Session 6: Saturday, 6:45 p.m. to one half hour after the banquet ends 

 ?

Snacks will be provided during Sessions 1, 2, 4 and 5. Even though childcare will be open and fully staffed during lunch on both Friday and Saturday, lunch will not be provided. Parents should either pick their children up for lunch at the end of Session 1 and Session 4 or provide a lunch for their children in the childcare room. Also, dinner will not be provided on Friday or Saturday evening. Parents should feed their children dinner prior to bringing them to Session 6. The cost of childcare is $10 per family per session. 

 ?

Dog Relief Area 

The Renaissance Hotel has designated a place for dog relief by proceeding out the doors across from the front desk in the lobby of the hotel. The designated place has a trash receptacle near the hotel entrance. Please do not use the terrace on the 2nd floor for dog relief.

 ?

Assistive Listening Devices

A limited number of assistive listening devices are available during all convention sessions and at the banquet. For an assistive listening device, please go to the contact table located in the back of the hall during all convention general sessions. A credit card or identification card is required as a deposit for the equipment. 

 ?

 ?

Hospitality Suite

The Convention Hospitality Suite is the Commodore Room on the 2nd floor. The Commodore Room is located just off the elevator bank, in the opposite direction of all other conference rooms.

 ?

Daylight Saving Time

Don?t forget to set your watches back one hour for the change that occurs early Sunday morning. Smart phones, of course, should handle this change automatically.

 ?


 ?

Free Aira Access at the NFB of Virginia Convention

 ?

Thursday, October 31 at 3:00pm until

Sunday, November 3 at 3:00pm

 ?

Aira is very excited to be a partner with the NFB of Virginia. 

 ?

Everyone can enjoy free access to Aira during the entire NFB of Virginia Convention. At any time, you can download the Aira app to your Smart Phone and start accessing the network of certified agents for assistance with visual tasks. Use the app to access Aira for 5 free minutes at a time from home or when you are traveling to and from the Convention. Once at the Convention in Portsmouth get unlimited access to Aira from 3pm on Thursday October 31 through 3pm on Sunday November 3. 

 ?

Here are quick and easy instructions for downloading the Aira app onto your smart phone to get started with accessing visual information on your own terms.

 ?

>From your Smart Phone send a text message to 24729 with the message NVA 

You?ll receive a text message back with a special link to download the free Aira app directly to your smart phone. 

If you have an iPhone, you may need your Apple ID to confirm the download. 

Downloads will be automatic on android devices.? 

Once you have downloaded the Aira app, just sign in with your phone number. 

A code will be sent to you via text message. Enter the code and you?re in! No credit card needed.

 ?

All calls while at the Convention are free and unlimited, and all other calls when not in a free Aira Access Area are free for up to five minutes.

?

Making your first Aira call is simple. In the middle of the screen is a button reading Call Aira from phone. Double tap it and get connected to a highly trained agent who can describe any visual information you need.?

?

If you are not sure about all this, stop by the Exhibits Information table for information about an Aira Ambassador to help you get started.?

?

Want more information about Aira? Call us at 1.800.835.1934 or learn about us at www.aira.io

 ?


 ?

Thursday, October 31, 2019

 ?

6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Virginia Chapter Leadership Institute (CLI) Wrap Up / Ramp Up: Commodore Room; Joe Orozco and Domonique Lawless, Co-Chairs. By invitation only. We are continuing the Virginia Chapter Leadership Institute. This weekend?s CLI event both completes year one and starts year two.

 ?

7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Registration: Portsmouth Registration Desk.

 ?

Friday, November 1, 2019

 ?

8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Registration: Portsmouth Registration Desk.

 ?

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. NFB of Virginia Board of Directors Meeting and Chapter Reports (Open to All): Portsmouth 5 Ballroom.

 ?

General Session

Portsmouth 5 Ballroom

 ?

10:00 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. Opening Ceremonies:
   
   - Call to Order - Tracy Soforenko, President, NFB of Virginia
   - Invocation - Cantor Wendi Fried, Congregation Beth El, Norfolk Virginia
   
   - Presentation of the Colors 
   - Pledge of Allegiance 
   - Federation Pledge
   - Star Spangled Banner ?Julie McGinnity, President, NFB Performing Arts Division, Baltimore, Maryland
   - Welcome to Portsmouth, Mayor John Rowe, Portsmouth, Virginia
   - Greetings from Our Host Chapters ? Stewart Prost, President, Tidewater Chapter, Norfolk, Virginia and Uricka Harrison, President, Peninsula Chapter, Newport News, Virginia
   - Convention Arrangements - Joe Orozco, Chairperson, Convention Organization and Arrangements

 ?

10:20 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Introducing the Portsmouth Regatta. Christopher Walker and Earl Everett, Fundraising Committee

 ?

10:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. Betting on Success: Reflections from Virginia?s 2019 McDonald Fellows and Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship Fund Winners:
   
   - Moderator: Mary Durbin, Chairperson, McDonald Fellowship Committee, and NFB of Virginia Liaison, Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship Fund Committee, Virginia Beach, Virginia
   - Lois Fritz, Newport News, Virginia
   - Andrea Ortiz, Burke, Virginia
   - Kassahun Sahilu, Alexandria, Virginia
   - Yvette Williams, Newport News, Virginia

 ?

10:50 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Action Auction.

 ?

11:00 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. Cane, Punch, Choke, and Throw: Martial Arts and Fitness as a Blind Person, Alex Castillo, Potomac Chapter, Washington DC.

 ?

11:10 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. Serving My Country ? Building My Business. Jimmy Cunningham, Vice President, Virginia Merchants Division and Vice Chair, Virginia Business Opportunities for the Blind Board, Prince George, Virginia. 

 ?

11:20 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. Action Auction.

 ?

11:25 a.m. to 11:35 a.m. Disability Partnership in Action. Colleen Miller, Executive Director ? Virginia Disability Law Center, Richmond Virginia.

 ?

11:35 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. NFB Training Centers: The Next Generation ? Jennifer Kennedy, Executive Director, Blindness Learning In New Dimensions (BLIND Inc.) Minneapolis, Minnesota.

 ?

11:50 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Announcements.

 ?

12:00 p.m. General Session Adjourns.

 ?

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Registration: Portsmouth Registration Desk.

 ?

12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. Box lunch pick-up: Portsmouth Foyer.

 ?

12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Exhibits: Portsmouth Foyer. Annette Carr, Exhibits Coordinator.

 ?

12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Embracing Our Diversity: Empowering Our Community: Portsmouth 4BallRoom. Evelyn Valdez and Amir Rahimi ? Coordinators
   
   - The National Federation of the Blind recognizes that our diversity is a core strength. This lunch, featuring Jean Brown as our keynote, will feature the stories from across the Virginia Federation Family and will discuss ways we can make our community more inclusive and vibrant. 

 ?

Friday Afternoon Concurrent Seminars 

 ?

2:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Owning Your Finances Seminar - Joe Orozco, Chair, Portsmouth 5 Ballroom. 

2:00 PM Your Money or Your Life

2:10 PM Financial Scams and How to Spot Them

3:00 PM The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

3:25 PM The Ultimate Budget Strategy

3:50 PM To Buy, or Not to Buy Coffee: Perspectives on Everyday Spending Choices

4:30 PM Next Steps

 ?

 ?

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Seniors Possibilities Fair ? Nancy Yeager, President, Seniors division, Portsmouth 7 and 8 Ballrooms. 

Have you stopped reading the newspaper or books, writing checks or other correspondence, or completing other tasks that require vision?? If the answer is yes to any of the above, join us to learn about low- or no-cost solutions to these and other aspects of your daily life.? 

 ?

4:00p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Resolutions Committee: Portsmouth 6 Ballroom, Deepa Goraya, Chairperson. 

We encourage the participation of all members in setting Federation policy, and the best way to influence policy is through resolutions. As a grass roots organization, we serve our movement through collective action, and such action begins with policy making and debate. Come help shape the policies of the NFB of Virginia. 

 ?

5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Registration, Portsmouth Registration Desk.

 ?

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Public Meeting on DBVI Divisions, Programs and Services: Portsmouth 5 Ballroom, Susan K. Davis, Policy and Training Coordinator, Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired.

We are grateful that DBVI will hold a public meeting where attendees can ask questions and speak with agency leadership. DBVI wants to hear from you so come and share your thoughts and ideas on how DBVI can better meet the needs of blind and low vision Virginians.? Let your voice be heard. 

 ?

5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. At-Large Chapter Meeting and Reception: Commodore Room, Patrick Johnson, President.

 ?

6:30 p.m. to 7:30p.m. Student Dinner Party: Commodore Room, Elizabeth Schoen, Coordinator, Virginia Association of Blind Students. 

Join the Virginia student division leaders and members for fellowship with old and new friends to kick off the convention weekend. Open and free to all students over the age of 14.

 ?

7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Convention Hospitality: Portsmouth 4 Ballroom. 

Hosted by the Tidewater and Peninsula Chapters, Stewart Prost and Uricka Harrison, Presidents. All registered convention attendees are welcome to join us for this fun evening of fellowship and hospitality featuring music and fun. Don?t forget your ticket provided with your registration to enter this event. Mix, mingle, and network with Federation members and distinguished guests, all while enjoying appetizers and a cash bar.

 ?

7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Student Meet & Greet, Kelly Jones, Coordinator, Virginia Association of Blind Students, Portsmouth 6 Ballroom. 

If you are a student of any age, this evening item is for you! Think interactive icebreakers, engaging discussion, and high energy programming all in one session! Join students across the Commonwealth to share, learn, and grow until late hours of the evening.

 ?

 ?

7:45 to 8:45 PM Friday Evening Cookie Social for Families of Blind Children Commodore Room, Beth Sellers, President, Virginia Parents of Blind Children. 

Calling all blind kids ages 0-13, siblings and parents!? Join us for cookies and drinks and a chance to meet other families from across the state.? Bring any Braille or large print books your child no longer needs and pick up some free books from our free Braille book exchange table.? (Email bsellers31 at gmail.com with questions and any food allergies we need to be aware of).

 ?

 ?

9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Young Professional Reception, Susie D?Mello and Evelyn Valdez, Coordinators, Commodore Room. 

Are you a young professional looking for something exciting to do on Friday evening? Come mingle, make new connections, and enjoy a drink or two at the Young Professionals reception in the commodore Room.

 ?

10:15 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. Scholarship Mixer: Commodore Room, Patrick Johnson, Chairperson.

 ?


Saturday, November 2, 2019

 ?

8:00 a.m. to 10:00a.m. Registration: Portsmouth Registration Desk.

 ?

General Session

Portsmouth 5 Ballroom

 ?

9:00 a.m. Call to Order -Tracy Soforenko, President, NFB of Virginia.

 ?

9:00 a.m. to 9:05 a.m. Invocation ? Reverend Chris Coleman, Assistant Minister, Gethsemane Baptist Church, Peninsula Chapter, Hampton Virginia.

 ?

9:05 a.m. to 9:35 a.m. National Report ? Ron Brown, Second Vice President, National Federation of the Blind, Indianapolis, Indiana.

 ?

9:35 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. Action Auction.

 ?

9:40 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Blind Parents Get It Done.
   
   - Jessica Reed, Panel Moderator, Fredericksburg, Virginia
   - Yasiah Hurtado, Richmond, Virginia
   - Nikki Jeffords, Arlington, Virginia
   - Louise Walsh, Virginia Beach, Virginia

 ?

 ?

10:00 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. Project RISE: Resilience, Independence, Self-Advocacy, Employment. Kathryn Webster, Project RISE Program Coordinator, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia, Arlington, Virginia. 

 ?

10:10 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. Advocating for Our Children: Addressing Our Kid?s Needs. Beth Sellers, President, Virginia Organization of Parents of Blind Children, Harrisonburg, Virginia.

 ?

10:20 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. Celebrating Our Members - Sandy Halverson, First Vice President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia, Arlington, Virginia.

 ?

10:40 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Open Doors and New Beginnings-The Future Really Is Mine:? A Panel Discussion with Seniors Who Are Living the Lives They Want: 
   
   - Melody Roane, Director, Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired, Moderator, Richmond Virginia
   - Frances Dowling, Petersburg, Virginia
   - Matt Heard, Burke Virginia
   - Lora Shreffler, Ashland, Virginia

 ?

11:00 a.m. to 11:05 a.m. Introducing the 2019 NFB of Virginia James F. Nelson, Jr. Scholarship Finalists. Patrick Johnson, Chairperson.

 ?

11:05 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. Rehabilitation Services for the Blind in Virginia. Raymond Hopkins, Commissioner, Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired.

 ?

11:20 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. Announcements.

 ?

11:25 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Action Auction.

 ?

11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Presidential Report, Tracy Soforenko, President, NFB of Virginia.

 ?

12:00 p.m. General Session Adjourns.

 ?

Lunch Breakout Sessions

 ?

12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. Box Lunch Pickup: Portsmouth Foyer.

 ?

12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. 2019 Welcome Luncheon, Joanne Wilson and Jimmy Morris, Co-Coordinators, Portsmouth 4 Ballroom. Whether you are a member who wants to get more out of your membership, are a new member, or just want to learn from others in this interactive lunch-based discussion session, the Welcome Lunch is for you.

Learn more about the Federation and our positive philosophy on blindness, understand how you can better tap the broad Federation network, and be inspired to take ideas home from positive role models in our movement.

 ?

12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Seniors Division Luncheon and Business Meeting, Portsmouth 7 and 8 Ballrooms. Nancy Yeager, President. Join other seniors for lunch and conversation, followed by a short business meeting.

 ?

12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Virginia Association of Blind Merchants Division Luncheon and Business Meeting: Portsmouth 6 Ballroom. Harold Wilson, President. 

 ?

12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Virginia Parents of Blind Children Luncheon and Business Meeting: Portsmouth 6 Ballroom. Beth Sellers, President. 

Grab the boxed lunch or bring your own, but please join us for our business meeting and parents? lunch.? Our lunch hour is an informal roundtable conversation for parents of children of all ages with low vision, blindness, deaf-blindness, and multiple disabilities.??

 ?

 ?

12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Student Luncheon and Virginia Association of Blind Students Business Meeting: Commodore Room. Gerald Meredith, President, Virginia Association of Blind Students.

Student Lunch pick up will be held in the Commodore Room starting at 12:05 p.m. Students are the leaders of tomorrow. During our annual luncheon, our members will elect the officers and board members for the upcoming year, as well as reflect and brainstorm on the work of our statewide division. Pre-register online for the $8 lunch by October 25.

 ?

 ?

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Registration, Portsmouth Registration Desk.

 ?

Saturday Afternoon Breakout Sessions 

 ?

2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Chapter Leadership University: Portsmouth 4 Ballroom, Ron Brown and Kathryn Webster, Coordinators.

Chapter Presidents, Treasurers, membership coordinators, and participants in the chapter leadership institute will participate in a Saturday afternoon workshop on how to make our chapters more engaging, welcoming, and dynamic. Role play real life scenarios and bring home ideas that can be applied in your chapter in 2020.

 ?

2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The ABCs of Life Portsmouth 5 Ballroom, Nicky Jeffords, John Bailey, Martha Macias, and Rich Sorey, Co-Coordinators. 

The ABCs of Life; A = Attitude, B = Breaking Down Barriers, C = Creating Connections. Come and learn about strategies necessary to earn, retain, and advance your brand in the professional and personal spheres.? This interactive session will provide you with tips and techniques to meet your full potential.

 ?

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. ? Student Seminar: Surpassing Our Limitations. Commodore Room, Gerald Meredith, Virginia Association of Blind Students, President. 

Every blind student faces barriers; and every blind student overcomes obstacles. But not every blind student has a nationwide network of role models who conquered greatness given society?s limitations. During this seminar, you will be introduced to successful and ambitious blind professionals and students, confident and independent throughout their lives. This afternoon will afford all students with an opportunity to ask questions, learn from others, and engage in hands-on activities to learn how to excel in and out of the classroom.

 ?

2:00 p.m. to 4:30p.m. Parent Track: Encouraging Success in All Ages and Stages. Portsmouth 6 Ballroom, Beth Sellers, President, Virginia Parents of Blind Children. 

Join us as we dig into resources that are available in Virginia to promote success for blind children and young adults in all stages of development.? Topics discussed will include IEPs, Transition, and Community Based Services through DD Waiver. Question and Answer time will be available for topics relevant to participants.

 ?

2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Senior Track: Seniors in Charge: Portsmouth 7 and 8 Ballrooms, Nancy Yeager, President. Our exciting senior seminar will cover a broad range of topics including health and fitness, grocery shopping, new mobile phone options specifically targeting seniors, how to use easy to use reader services through a smartphone, programs of our national senior division, and much more.

 ?

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Project RISE Open House for Virginia students and parents: Portsmouth 6 Ballroom, Kathryn Webster, Project RISE Program Coordinator. Learn more about Project RISE, meet our team and ask your questions. 

 ?

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sighted Spouse/Significant Other/Partner Get Together, Diane Bibb (wife of Dr. Patrick Johnson) and Sharon Soforenko (wife of Affiliate President Tracy Soforenko) Coordinators, Commodore Room.

Come join us for an informal, candid and open conversation between sighted partners of Virginia Federationists.? To encourage sharing, this meeting is for sighted spouses only.

 ?

2019 Convention Banquet

 ?

Portsmouth 4 and 5 Ballrooms.

 ?

In Federation fashion, come dressed to impress as we celebrate our Banquet on the Waterfront with a keynote address by National Representative Ron Brown.

 ?

6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Pre-Banquet Reception (Cash Bar): Portsmouth Foyer.

 ?

7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Banquet Program ? Charlie Brown, Master of Ceremonies and Past President, NFB of Virginia:
   
   - Invocation?David Andrews, New Beginnings Outreach Center, Peninsula Chapter, Hampden, Virginia.
   - A Friend in Congress. The Honorable Robert ?Bobby? Scott, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, 3   rd Congressional District of Virginia.
   - 2019 James F. Nelson Scholarship Awards Presentation?Patrick Johnson, Scholarship Committee Chairperson, Christiansburg, Virginia
   - Banquet Address ? Ron Brown, Second Vice President, National Federation of the Blind
   - Portsmouth Regatta
   - Action Auction - Jacki Brown, Auctioneer

 

?


Sunday, November 3, 2019

 ?

8:00 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. Devotions: Portsmouth 6 ballroom.

Mark and Melody Roane, Coordinators

 ?

General Session

Portsmouth 5 Ballroom.

 ?

9:00 a.m. to 9:05 a.m. Invocation ? Deborah Prost, Board Member, Tidewater Chapter, Norfolk, Virginia. 

 ?

9:05 a.m. to 9:25 a.m. Be Your Own Boss.

Annette Carr, Moderator, Fairfax, Virginia

Have you ever considered if you have what it takes to be your own boss?? Make your own hours.? Answer to no one. Bring in the big bucks. ?Hear what this panel of entrepreneurs have to say about the myths and facts of being your own boss.

 ?

9:25 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. Business Session:
   
   - Audit Committee Report?Sean McMahon, Chairperson
   - Treasurer?s Report?Mark Roane, Treasurer
   - SUN Committee Report: Sandy Halverson, Chairperson
   - 2020 Richmond and Washington Seminars?Deepa Goraya and Derek Manners, Legislative Directors
   - 2020 National Convention, June 30 - July 5, Hilton Americas Hotel, Houston, Texas
   - 2020 NFB of Virginia Convention, October 30 ? November 1, Westin Tyson?s Corner, Falls church, Virginia
   - Resolutions?Deepa Goraya, Chairperson

 ?

10:10 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. Action Auction.

 ?

10:20 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Interactive Town Hall Discussion with Ron Brown, Second Vice President, National Federation of the Blind and Tracy Soforenko, President.

 ?

11:00 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.? Action Auction

 ?

11:10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Breaking the Ropes: an interactive session on owning your future, Joanne Wilson, Federation Leader, Alexandria, Virginia. An interactive session to build your individual beliefs about blindness for future growth.?

 ?

11:30 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. Students are Paving the Path for Our Future ? Sied Rizvi, First Vice President, National Association of Blind Students, Austin, Texas.

 ?

11:40 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. Virginia Association of Blind Students Update, Gerald Meredith, President.

 ?

11:50 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Reports and Announcements.

 ?

12:00 p.m. General Session Adjourns.

 ?

12:00 to 1:00 PM Project RISE Lunch Pick Up ? Commodore Room

 ?

Thank you to our Tidewater and Peninsula Chapters for hosting the 2019 NFB of Virginia State Convention. Your hospitality made us feel like family and made our convention a success.

 ?

Thank You to our Sponsors and Exhibitors

 ?

Please thank this year?s Convention Sponsors and Exhibitors located in the hallway outside the Ballrooms on Friday, November 1 from 12:00pm until 5:00pm.

 ?

SPONSORS
   
   - Aira ? Free access to Aira from Thursday October 31 at 3:00pm until Sunday November 3 at 3:00pm.? Aira promotes independence through the use of modern technology and real-time remote assistance to visual information for those with vision loss. At the press of a button, you are immediately connected to a network of certified Agents who can assist you with a never-ending list of visual tasks. 858-876-2472 www.aira.io? 

 ?

 ?

 ?

 ?

 ?

EXHIBITORS
   
   - Bureau of Engraving and Printing ? Distribution of the free iBill Currency Readers. 202-874-2608 www.bep.gov
   - Christian Ministry Teachers ? Free Bible literature in Braille, large print, audio, and RTF formats. 703-989-2230 JW.ORG
   - Sprint Vision - Sprint is committed to working with phone manufacturers and the blind and low vision community to deliver user-friendly accessible phones. 619-246-7107 www.Sprint.com/Vision
   - Ultra-Low Vision Lab, Wilmer Eye Institute ? Research study using virtual reality to understand how people with extremely limited vision use what vision they have. The research team is looking for study participants.? Stop by their table and see if you are a good candidate.? 424-398-1727 https://www.ultralowvisionlabjhu.net/
   - Virginia Beach Public Library Bayside Area & Special Services - In cooperation with the National Library Service (NLS) for the Blind and Print Disabled, provides library services to Virginia Beach residents with visual and physical disabilities. 757-385-2684 www.vbgov.com/libraries
   - Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired ? VRCBVI provides quality training in the skills of blindness and promotes positive attitudes about the capabilities of blind individuals to make positive contributions at work and in the community.? In addition to the training program we offer for adults, we also offer innovative and fun programs for blind youth that will challenge them to reach their full potential.? Learn about these and other exciting initiatives at VRCBVI! 804-371-3323 https://www.vrcbvi.org? 
   - Vispero ? Known for the screen reading package JAWS, and screen magnification package ZoomText, also provides assistive technology for blindness and low vision such as portable and desktop electronic magnification devices, refreshable braille displays, note taking devices, and more. 800-444-4443 www.vispero.com?? 
   - Volunteers for the Blind - Connects people with visual impairments in the Fredericksburg area with volunteers to assist with shopping and reading. 540-899-8847 

 ?

 ?


Dream Makers Circle

 ?

You can help build a future of opportunity for the blind by becoming a member of our Dream Makers Circle. Your legacy gift to the National Federation of the Blind or the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia can be made in the form of a will or living trust, an income generating gift, or by naming us as the beneficiary of a retirement plan, IRA, pension, or a life insurance policy. You can designate a specific amount, a percentage, or list NFB as one of several beneficiaries. For additional information, please contact Patti Chang at (410) 659-9314, extension 2422 or at pchang at nfb.org.

 ?

Vehicle Donations

 ?

The National Federation of the Blind uses car donations to improve the education of blind children, distribute free white canes, help veterans, and so much more. We have partnered with Vehicles for Charity to process donated vehicles. Please call toll-free (855) 659-9314, and a representative can make arrangements, or you can donate online by visiting www.nfb.org/vehicledonations.

 ?

 ?

 ?



  
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From sdprost at cox.net  Tue Oct 22 19:56:29 2019
From: sdprost at cox.net (Cox)
Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:56:29 -0400
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Convention Restaurant Menus and Area Guide
Message-ID: <00cd01d58912$cdd56a70$69803f50$@cox.net>

Good afternoon Federationists! 

Attached are copies of the hotel restaurant menus in MS Word format, which
should be readable on anyone's screen reader or Braille notetaking device.
I have also attached a guide listing local restaurants and retail
establishments in downtown Portsmouth.  Most listings are within walking
distance of our hotel.  Additionally, right near the hotel is the Elizabeth
River Passenger Ferry, which runs 30-minute service between Portsmouth and
the Waterside  Center which has a variety of restaurants and bars.  The fare
is only $2 each way, and the ride only takes about 5 to 7 minutes to cross
the river. We are all looking forward to the convention and wish to give
everyone as much information as possible.  

 

Stewart Prost, President, Tidewater Chapter

NFB of Virginia

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From sdprost at cox.net  Wed Oct 23 23:21:27 2019
From: sdprost at cox.net (Cox)
Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2019 19:21:27 -0400
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Need for a Few Good Men or Women
Message-ID: <004d01d589f8$98d183e0$ca748ba0$@cox.net>

Calling all veterans:  

 

I would appreciate your assistance.  I am having difficulty obtaining a
color guard to open our convention next week.  I have tried several
organizations and have not confirmed any group yet.  I continue to work on
the problem.  However, in thinking about this and talking to others, it is
my recollection that our members who are veterans conducted the color guard
in the past.  This can happen again.  I have been told that a color guard
consist of six members.  One member, Gerald Meredith, has told me that he
would participate.  Therefore, we only need five more veterans to
participate.  I will continue to seek out local resources, but it would be
really nice if we could have members conduct this activity.  Please contact
me ASAP if you can participate in the color guard or can help with contacts
to find an organization to do this.  Time is growing short as our convention
is fast approaching.  I am confident that this can be worked out.  My
contact information is below.  

 

Thank you in advance for any assistance rendered.  

 

Respectfully, 

 

Stewart Prost, Tidewater Chapter President, 

NFB of Virginia

Phone: 757-572-6891

Email:  sdprost at cox.net

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From ever23851 at yahoo.com  Wed Oct 23 15:09:16 2019
From: ever23851 at yahoo.com (Earl Everett)
Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2019 15:09:16 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] NFBV State Convention 2019 Fundraisers
Message-ID: <582863342.1021655.1571843356043@mail.yahoo.com>

Greetings Fellow Federationists,
With a little more than a week to go before out 2019 State Convention at the Renaissance Hotel in Portsmouth Virginia, I am writing to inform you of some of the great opportunities you will be able to avail yourselves of that will in turn help us build our affiliate.
  	I am sure that most of you have received the email about our Action Auction which is again being run by Jackie Brown and Laurie Wages. There will be many exciting items for you to bid on and they always do an excellent job.
	As most of you are aware. We will be receiving our National Federation of the Blind Membership coins at this year?s convention. We have a custom made, stainless steel coin holder that was specifically designed for the NFB Membership. Coin that comes with a chain and keyring and can be worn around your neck or as a keychain. This item sells for $20 and was a big hit at our National Convention in Las Vegas this past summer.  Be sure to get yours while supplies last. We will only be accepting cash or check for this item.
	The Portsmouth Regatta is traditionally held in June but we are having a special repeat running at our 2019 State Convention. In the tradition of our crab races and horse races of old. We will be presenting 6 boats and their captains at our Friday morning board meeting. You will have the opportunity to purchase shares in your boat. If your boat and captain win the Regatta, all the shareholders who bought shares on that boat will split a cash prize with the affiliate. The shares will sell for $5 a piece so feel free to buy as many shares as you like. The more shares you own, the greater your winnings. 
	Also, you could win the opportunity to be our convention?s NFBVVIP. This is a special raffle for a lucky Federationist and a person of their choice to receive premium seating at the Saturday and Sunday morning general sessions and special acknowledgment as our honored guest, with a fleece and throw pillow for your comfort. The person will also receive a bell to ring at which point one of our affiliate board members or their designated butler will provide refreshments and cater to that persons needs. In addition they will also receive a surprise gift basket and a bottle of sparkling grape juice. These tickets will sell for $5 for one and 3 for $10., You could be out NFBV VIP.
	These and past fundraisers help make it possible to fund some of the project that our affiliate participate in. With your help and generosity we were able to assist several 1st time convention goers in attending our past National Convention and help with other projects such as the BELL Program and Richmond Seminar and help to make sure that Virginia has a good showing at Washington Seminar to name a few. So I am looking forward to seeing you all at state convention so we can have a great time and build and strengthen our affiliate. Thank you all.

Earl Everett
NFBV Fundraising Committee Chairperson
Richmond Chapter Legislative Representative
Richmond Chapter Secretary
(804) 252-8998
ever23851 at gmail.co 



From sdprost at cox.net  Thu Oct 24 18:53:02 2019
From: sdprost at cox.net (Stewart & Deborah Prost)
Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2019 14:53:02 -0400
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Color Guard Confirmed
Message-ID: <284b01d58a9c$45974350$d0c5c9f0$@cox.net>

Good afternoon, Federationists!

 

I have heard from the local American Legion Post that they will conduct the
color guard for our opening ceremonies on Friday.  Since this is confirmed,
I no longer need the assistance of our veterans.  I do think that we should
work on having our own members who are veterans doing the color guard
ceremony for our convention next year.  Thank you to all who responded. 

 

Stewart Prost, President, Tidewater Chapter

NFB of VA

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From jsorozco at gmail.com  Fri Oct 25 11:49:20 2019
From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco)
Date: Fri, 25 Oct 2019 07:49:20 -0400
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Research Opportunity at Convention
Message-ID: <037101d58b2a$3d25c370$b7714a50$@gmail.com>

>From Annette Carr, Sponsors and Exhibits Coordinator:

 

The following message is from one of our Convention Exhibitors.  They are
conducting a research project that is in no way sponsored or endorsed by the
National Federation of  the Blind.

 

Dear attendees of the NFB of Virginia Convention,


The Ultra-Low Vision Laboratory at Johns Hopkins will be attending the
upcoming
NFB Virginia Convention 2019, and we would like to invite you to come visit
our
table in the Exhibit area on Friday, November 1st.

We will be exhibiting a new test that makes use of a virtual reality headset
to collect data on how people with very low vision use their vision.  .  The
reason we are developing this test is that we hope to learn if and how
people with extremely limited sight are still using their vision in certain
situations.  By "extremely limited" we mean that it is impossible for them
to see any letters on the  chart in the eye doctor's office, even close up.


 

If you or any of your loved ones have vision that fits this description and
would like to learn more about our tests and may want to participate in our
research during the convention, you don't even have to wait until the
Convention:  You can let us know ahead of time and we will be very happy to
set aside time to tell you more, and enroll you in our research if you are
interested.  Don't worry, if you decide this isn't for you once you learn
more, there is absolutely no obligation to participate.  And if  you'd
rather wait until the convention to speak with us at the exhibit table, that
is perfectly fine.  If you are interested please contact us at
akartha2 at jhmi.edu <mailto:akartha2 at jhmi.edu>  or 424-398-1727, so we can
tell you more and find a time in your schedule during the convention that
works for you.  

We will be available from Thursday, October 31 starting at 12:00pm through
the end of the convention.  Let us know if you are interested in meeting
with us.  Just give us a call and we will schedule a time to meet with you.

We are looking forward to meeting everyone,

On behalf of the Ultra-Low Vision Lab team,

 

Arathy Kartha PhD 

Post-Doctoral Fellow,

Ultra Low Vision Lab, Woods 355

School of Medicine, Dept. of Ophthalmology,

Wilmer Eye Institute,

Johns Hopkins University, 

Baltimore, MD 21205

https://www.ultralowvisionlabjhu.net/

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From patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com  Fri Oct 25 23:48:02 2019
From: patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com (Sarah Patnaude)
Date: Fri, 25 Oct 2019 18:48:02 -0500
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] VABS Fundraiser
References: <CAG+A59J=ppm4MB3pnfAzNvb0PGqmoFXYVKhdBpSOnQjkfbQ85g@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <C38312F5-27DF-4010-BAFB-133BD18A947A@yahoo.com>


> Hello Federationists,
> 
> VABS will be raffling a Gift card Bundle at State Convention
> The Gift Cards are valued at $25 each:
> Amazon
> Target
> Starbucks
> Visa
> Uber
> Mastercard
> 
> Ticket prices are 1 for $5 or 3 for $10
> Do not need to present to win!
> Drawing will be held Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 5:30pm.
> 
> 
> Gerald Meredith
> President
> Virginia Association of Blind Students (VABS)
> "Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us."
> -Susan L. Taylor, journalist



From patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com  Sun Oct 27 18:43:03 2019
From: patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com (Sarah Patnaude)
Date: Sun, 27 Oct 2019 13:43:03 -0500
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Convention 2019 Exhibit area table list
References: <002201d58cea$abd72fe0$03858fa0$@verizon.net>
Message-ID: <BD199B05-6B30-423F-8283-CA2D3135D3D7@yahoo.com>

From Annette Carr
>  
> For your convenience below and attached you will find the list of exhibitors and their table assignments.  Feel free to bring a copy of this information with you to convention.  A copy of the list will be available for viewing at the Exhibit Information Table.
>  
> NFBV 61st Convention
> List of Exhibit Tables
>  
>  
> Location: Across the hall from the ballrooms
>  
> Exhibit Information ? Table 1
>  
> Aira Ambassador information ? Table 1
>  
> Chesapeake Bay Chapter, raffle ? Table 2
>  
> Bureau of Engraving and Printing, free money reader ? Table 3
>  
> Virginia Beach Public Library Bayside Area & Special Services, National Library Service ? Table 4
>  
> Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired ? Table 5
>  
> 
> Volunteers for the Blind, provides volunteer services in the Fredericksburg area ? Table 6
>  
> Extra Table ? Table 7
>  
> NFBV Auction Items Display ? Tables 8, 9, 10 & 11
>  
>  
>  
> Location: Ballroom side of hall between the doors to the ballrooms
>  
> ?         Christian Ministry Teachers, free bibles ? Table 12
> 
>  
> ?         Sprint Vision, accessible telecommunications ? Table 13
> 
>  
> ?         Ultra-Low Vision Lab, Wilmer Eye Institute, vision research study ? Table 14
> 
>  
> ?         Vispero, low vision and blindness assistive technology ? Table 15
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
>  
>  
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From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Mon Oct 28 04:11:53 2019
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (tracy.soforenko at gmail.com)
Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2019 00:11:53 -0400
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] 2019 Action Auction - Third Announcement
Message-ID: <004a01d58d45$d545f810$7fd1e830$@gmail.com>

>From Jacki Brown and Laurie Wages, Auctioneers

 

Hear Ye!  Hear Ye!  The NFB of Virginia will be having an Auction at its
state convention in Portsmouth, Virginia ? November 1-3, 2019

 

Bring your donated items to the convention.  We will be accepting items on
Friday.  We?ll be auctioning a few items Friday morning at the Board
meeting.  Then just like last year there will be tables set up with the
items offered.  Other auction items will be offered in the meeting room
during the morning session on Saturday, at the Banquet Saturday Night and in
the meeting room on Sunday morning.

 

It is important for you to be at all the meetings and the banquet.
Otherwise you might miss out on your favorite auction item.  Items will be
displayed outside the main meeting room on Friday and in the main meeting
room on Saturday and Sunday.  On Friday the Action auction volunteers will
accept items for auction and describe each item to all who stop by.

 

We will accept cash, checks or debit/credit cards.  All payments need to be
received by noon on Sunday, November 3, 2019.  Individual restrictions and
expiration dates apply.  Please see the items for details.  We have many
great items and little time so we will be conducting the auction FAST! 

 

For your convenience, we have listed the items we currently have to offer.
There will be additions to this list as we expect more items to arrive.  The
items will not be presented for bid in the order of this list ? but by whim
of the Auctioneer.

 

Third LIST OF AUCTION ITEMS AS OF 10/27/19, with new items starting at item
13:

 

1. Three boxes of homemade No-Bake Cookies and Chocolate Fudge made by
Christopher Walker (Value $30 per Box).  Donated by Christopher Walker

 

2. Brand New -A Cozy Combo Pink Throw & pink /white striped Sock Gift Set,
inside a white/pink Canvas 9? x 12? Tote Bag. Perfect Christmas Gift.
(Value: $35.00) Donated by Mary and Jim Green, Winchester Chapter.

 

3. Dinner for Six at Chez Sharon.  A gourmet dinner for six at the Soforenko
household awaits you.  The finest in Modern American dining and superior
wait service.  Your meal will have excellent Wine pairings and a homemade
dessert.  Ask your friends about last year?s remarkable evening! (Value:
Priceless!) Donated by President Tracy and Sharon Soforenko, Potomac
Chapter.

 

4. Purple, Lavender and White square patterned Afghan made just for you this
winter.  It has fringe on two sides and is just ready to be loved.  (Value:
$35 +) Donated by the Chesapeake Bay Chapter.

 

5. A Gift Basket from ?HEALTH FOOD CENTERS,? (Value: $83) 1701 Colley Ave.,
Norfolk, VA. Donated by Health Food Centers: Lifefactory glass hot traveling
mug, Astragalus tea, Lyogreens green blend, Country Orchard juice pops,
Lavender blueberry granola, Alternative baking espresso chip cookie,

3 ginger shots, 3 match to go, 6 nibmor dark choc bite, and Teecinno choc
coffee tea.  Solicited by Deborah & Stewart Prost, Tidewater Chapter.

6. A New Calvin Klein Woman?s Leather Purse.  Size: Medium.  Color: Coral.
(Value: Approx.: $80.00)
Deborah Post, Tidewater Chapter.

 

7. American Brilliant Cut Crystal Cream and Sugar Set, Deep Cut in the Hob
star Pattern.  These date from around 1905 and are unique and beautiful.
You can feel the sharp clean edges.  (Value: Approx. $50.00) Donated by
Jacki and Charlie Brown, Winchester Chapter.

 

8.  An IPAD Mini 4(Wi-Fi Only) with Case Model A1538. This is a Mini 4 model
with a gray case and 7.9 inch screen.  It needs to have all the new apps
applied because it has not been used.  Please look on line for further
details on line.  It is ?new? in its case and provides up to 10 hours of
surfing on the web or listening to music. (Value: $100+)  Donated by Deborah
and Stewart Prost, Tidewater Chapter.

 

9. A Game Night Basket.  This basket will have dominos, Cards, Braille UNO,
snacks and prizes for you to hold your own Game Night.  (Value: $50.00+).
Donated by the Peninsula Chapter.

 

10. A Bamboo Mini Dumpling Steamer with a Vintage Egg Masher and a Garlic
Peeler. (Value: $25.00)  Everything for a Chinese Cooking Adventure!
Donated by Sarah Blumberg, Potomac Chapter.

 

11.  HomeBrite LED Smart Light Bulbs (5).  These light bulbs will work with
your ?Alexa? or any SMART App.  Get with it
turn on your lights by voice or
phone! (Value:$50.00+). Donated by Evelyn Valdez, Greater Alexandria
Chapter.

12. New Wamsutta Queen Sheet Set Including: 1 Queen Flat Sheet, 1 Queen
Fitted Sheet and 2 Standard Pillowcases. These sheets are 100% Cotton and
400 Thread count with Sateen weave.  Great gift for yourself or others at
Christmas! (Value: $50.00 +) Donated by Jacki and Charlie Brown, Winchester
Chapter.

 

13. Winchester Virginia Picnic Gift Basket Including: Large Jars of Apple
Butter, Pumpkin Butter, Pear Butter; 2 bottles Wine- Mountain Peach from
Mountain View Vineyard in Strasburg, VA and 2007 Governor?s White from The
Williamsburg Winery; 2 Boxes Crackers; ?Peanut Kids? large can of Sweet
Celebration Party Mix   (Cashews, Honey roasted peanuts, chocolate covered
rains, etc.);CD-?Vineyard Classics?; Waiter?s Corkscrew, Cotton Wine Towel,
2 wine glasses with 2 Wine-tapas(protects wine from bugs when outside), and
a  NFB Coin Holder from Virginia. .  (Value: $100.00+) Donated by Winchester
Chapter. 

 

14. Ice Bracelet from TouchStone Crystal (7 ??).  There is no such thing as
too much sparkle, When that sparkle is from Swarovski crystals, you know it
doesn?t get any better.  This bracelet has a continuous row of sparkling
Aurore Boreal Swarovski crystals set in rhodium.  The silver color of the
rhodium setting allows these clear crystals to reflect the colors around it.
No matter what color you wear, you know this will match.  Featured in the
Oprah Magazine, Oprah says Ice Bracelets are ?O So Fabulous!? (Value: $89).
Donated by Annette Carr, Independent consultant, TouchStone Crystal by
Swarovski. 

 

15. Coffee/Chocolate Basket. Who can resist? Contents:  Barissimo Medium
Roast coffee, Barissimo Dark Roast coffee, 2 Coffee Mugs, Moser Roth Dark
Chocolate, Milk Chocolate and Toffee Milk Chocolate. (Value: $45) Donated by
the Greater Williamsburg Chapter.

 

16. Wine and Cheese Delight Basket.   All ready for your picnic!  Contents:
Sargent Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon and Burlwood Sparkling Wine (US
Champagne), Sonoma Jack Cheese and Gouda Cheese, Savoritz Crackers, Moser
Roth Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, and Toffee Milk Chocolate, 2
Wine/Champagne Glasses, and a Wine Bottle Opener. (Value: $65+) Donated by
the Greater Williamsburg Chapter.

 

17. Three Beatles CD?s bout at the Beatles Store in Liverpool in a Beatles
Bag.  (Value: Priceless
$50+)

Donated by Sandy and John Halverson. Potomac Chapter.

 

18. A Sage Green 56? X18? 100% Cotton Pacific Waves pattern Shawl. Hand
knitted by Sandy Halverson with cotton yarn bought while in Ireland. (Value:
Priceless)

Donated by Sandy Halverson, Potomac Chapter.

19. Three Soothing Spa Time Baskets  #1.Contents: 32 Oz. Eucalyptus Creamy
Foaming Bath, 20 Oz. Cocoa & Shea Butter skin care lotion, 14 Oz. Fresh
Linen scented hand soap, Fragrant Beads room freshener-sea side cotton, 2 ?
1.8 oz. lemon ice hand sanitizers, 1 pair Sweater Socks ( size 4-11)  

#2. Content: Same as Number 1 except with 14 Oz. Lavender Fields Hand Soap. 

 #3. Contents: 21 Oz. Lavender Scented Foaming Bath Salts, Fragrant Beads-
Sea Side Cotton Air Freshener, 14 Oz. Fresh Linen Scented Hand Soap, 1 Pair
Sweater Socks (size 4-11), and a 2.28 Oz. Dove Silky Smooth Promises Milk
Chocolate Bar. (Value of Each: $15-20) Donated by Paula Kelsey, Winchester
Chapter

 

20. Two Tickets in the front row balcony for Saturday, June 27, 2020,
afternoon performance of ?HAMILTON? at the Kennedy Center. The hottest
musical on Broadway comes to Washington for a sold out performance.  Audio
description is available for this performance. These premier tickets are
only available to subscription holders.  You will be seeing the show with
Tracy and Sharon Soforenko.  (Minimum Bid is $150 per ticket).  Donated by
Tracy and Sharon Soforenko, Potomac Chapter.

 

21. Sleep Phones, the original Wireless Headphones designed for sleeping.
SleepPhones are traditional headphones made bed friendly!  Unwind with
ultra-slim, patented soft and comfortable ?headphones in a headband? that
make listening to audio in bed a dream.  Surround yourself in an ultimate
audio experience without painful ear buds or awkward headphones.  Enjoy
superior sound quality without disturbing or being disturbed by, the person
next to you. Connect with your favorite music or audio material via IPhone
Smartphones, IPods, MP3 players, computers, tablet radios, CD players and
noise machines. To use the wireless model, devices must have Bluetooth
capability for pairing.  Comes with Charger.

(Value $149) Donated by Bob and Bonnie Hart, Greater Alexandria Chapter.

 

22. 2-3 Containers of Snowflake Cookies.  These delicious cookies contain
pretzels, peanuts, cashews and Chex cereals all covered in white chocolate!
(Value: Priceless) Hand-made and Donated by Becky K., Richmond Chapter.

 

23. Your very own NFL Five-Piece Decanter and Glasses Set as licensed by NFL
Properties LLC and sold by The Bradford Exchange.   Featuring four fantastic
glasses rimmed with 12 K gold.  Each glass has your team icon on it and a
decanter with the team helmet Stopper.  It comes in a satin-lined gift box.
(Decanter measures 9? high, holds 25 oz., glasses measure 3 ?? High and hold
10 oz.)  Look them up on: www.bradfordexchange.com.   This will be delivered
to you once you win the bid.  You will contact Althea Pittman and she will
order it for you.  (Value $160 plus shipping).  Donated by Althea Pittman,
Peninsula Chapter. 

 

24. Your Fall Snack and Read Basket.  This basket is full of audio books,
CD?s, and chocolate Snicker snacks.  With such titles as ?Ireland?, John
Grisham?s ?Camino Island?, ?Tales of Villains and Avengers of the Old West,?
Patriotic Songs CD, etc. (Value$75+) Donated by Mary and Jim Green and Janet
Lincoln, Winchester Chapter. 

 

25. A Bag full of ?Must Haves? for the Walker. Contents: Flashlight, and
other new items
details will follow.  Donated by JNO S Solenberger Ace
Hardware Store, Winchester, VA.

 

26. Wine Lovers Basket. Contents: Wicker basket with handles, Thirstystone
Ceramic wine Chiller, Thirstystone Faceted Marble Bottle Stopper,
Thirstystone set of 3 b/w marble handled cheese knives, Thirstystone Bottle
shape wine Tool Set, 2 Bebe 19 Oz. Stemless Wine Glasses, Wine Shop at Home
Table Red, Rose and White Wine, Wine shop at Home 2 Bottle Wine Carrier
(Wine Carrier donated by Alesia Meredith, The Purple Wine Shop @ WSAH).
(Value: $204) Donated by Virginia Association of Blind Students (VABS).

 

27. The Burly Man Wood Specialties Shop created a large ?WELCOME? sign for
you!  A perfect Christmas present. Solicited by Holly Frisch, Fredericksburg
Chapter. Donated by Burly Man Wood Specialties Fredericksburg, VA.

 

PLEASE
PLEASE
PLEASE:  Email Jacki at-
<mailto:jacquelinestonebrown at comcast.net> jacquelinestonebrown at comcast.net
or Phone her at 703-300-5869 with items to be donated.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT TIME IS RUNNING OUT!

The final List will come out Wednesday, October 29th or Thursday, October
30th.  I?ve tried to include accurate descriptions.  Please contact me by
Tuesday if you will be bringing other items.

 

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE DONATED ITEMS AND THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO
WILL BID ON THESE ITEMS. 

 

REMEMBER: THIS IS OUR ORGANIZATION AND WE MUST INVEST IN OURSELVES!

 

SEE YOU AT CONVENTION!

JACKI BROWN AND LAURIE WAGES, AUCTIONEERS

 

 

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From jsorozco at gmail.com  Wed Oct 30 01:42:28 2019
From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco)
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2019 21:42:28 -0400
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Reminder: VABS Fundraiser
Message-ID: <025401d58ec3$49beb6e0$dd3c24a0$@gmail.com>

>From Andre Hill:

 

Hello Federationists,

VABS will be raffling a Gift card Bundle at State Convention
The Gift Cards are valued at $25 each:
Amazon
Target
Starbucks
Visa
Uber
Mastercard
Ticket prices are 1 for $5 or 3 for $10
Do not need to present to win!
Drawing will be held Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 5:30pm.


Gerald Meredith
President
Virginia Association of Blind Students (VABS)
"Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us."
-Susan L. Taylor, journalist

 

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From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Wed Oct 30 10:57:29 2019
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (tracy.soforenko at gmail.com)
Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2019 06:57:29 -0400
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Agenda for Friday's 9:00 AM Board of Directors
 Meeting - Open to All
Message-ID: <00a901d58f10$d34e4b30$79eae190$@gmail.com>

Please find below the agenda for the November 1 Board of Directors meeting
to be held at 9:00 AM.

 


National Federation of the Blind of Virginia


Board of Directors Meeting


Friday, November 1, 2019

Meeting to be held at:

Renaissance Norfolk Portsmouth Waterfront

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. NFB of Virginia Board of Directors Meeting (Open to
All): Portsmouth 5 Ballroom

I.	Call to Order 
II.	Roll Call 
III.	Secretary's Report, Evelyn Valdez 
IV.	Approval of Minutes from August 17, 2019 Meeting of the NFBV Board
of Directors 
V.	Treasurer's Report, Mark Roane

                VI.            Chapter Reports

a.       Fairfax - Annette Carr

b.       At Large - Patrick Johnson

c.	Blue Ridge 
d.	Chesapeake Bay - Annie Ascher
e.	Eastern Shore - althea Pittman
f.	Fredericksburg - Brittany Ingram
g.	Greater Alexandria - Evelyn Valdez
h.	Greater Williamsburg - corlis Jones
i.	Peninsula - Uricka Harrison
j.	Potomac - John Halverson
k.	Prince William - Oscar Montiel
l.	Richmond - Domonique Lawless
m.	Tidewater - Stewart Prost
n.	Winchester - Chris Walker

 

VII.	Committee Reports will be addressed throughout the convention
VIII.	Each of our divisions will be meeting during the convention. See the
agenda for details.
IX.	Other Business
X.	Date and Location of Next Meeting, Monday, January 20, 2020 in
Richmond
XI.	Adjourn

 

 

Tracy Soforenko

President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

202 285-4595

 <mailto:Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com> Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com

 <http://www.nfb.org> www.nfb.org

 <http://www.nfbv.org> www.nfbv.org

National Federation of the Blind. Live the Life You Want

The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends
who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind. Every day we work
together to help blind people live the lives they want.

 

 

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From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Wed Oct 30 11:25:31 2019
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (tracy.soforenko at gmail.com)
Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2019 07:25:31 -0400
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Minutes from the 8/17 NFB of Virginia Board of
 Directors meeting
Message-ID: <010101d58f14$bde1fe00$39a5fa00$@gmail.com>

>From Evelyn Valdez, NFB of Virginia Recording Secretary

 

Tracy Soforenko National Federation of the Blind of Virginia NFBV

Meeting of the Board of Directors

 

Saturday, August 17, 2019

1pm-4pm

The Westin Tysons Corner

7801 Leesburg Pike

Falls Church, VA 22043

 

The National Federation of the Blind of Virginia's Board of Directors
meeting was called to order by President Tracy Soforenko

Invocation by: Corliss Jones

Roll Call: 49 members were present including delegates and alternate
delegates

Minutes for May 18th board meeting were read by Evelyn Valdez. Minutes were
approved without correction

Treasurer's Report

Treasurer's report was read by Mark Roane

Reporting period was April 30, 2019 - July 31, 2019

General checking account balance as of July 31 is $60,110.71

Treasurer's report was accepted without any corrections

 

Membership Coins

1st VP Sandy Halverson presented the 25 membership coins to the delegates
present. National President Mark Riccobono gave out the membership coins.

 

 

Committee Reports

McDonald Fellowship/Jernigan Fund Scholarship: Sandy reported on behalf of
Mary Durbin the four finalists who were selected and how they worked hard at
convention. Mary Durbin assigned mentors at convention to work and play with
the finalists; thanking the affiliate for McDonald funds and President
Soforenko for writing letters of recommendation. .

 

Fundraising: 

Chris Walker-gave the report on behalf of Earl Everett and mentioned that
Virginia peanuts salted and coated were sold at national convention at our
Virginia table along with something brand new and custom-made to hold our
membership coins.coin holders. Thanking members for volunteering to work
shifts at the Virginia table and Jim Walker for all the legwork and the
fundraising committee will continue to hold fundraising efforts throughout
the year.

At state convention, the fundraising committee is bringing back the Crab
Race, 50/50 raffle and premium seating! Also, bring gift baskets so it can
be auctioned off at the Action Auction at state convention.

 

Chapter Leadership Institute: Joe Orozco and Domonique Lawless  presented a
report regarding the individuals who have been in CLI for 9 months, they are
being assessed with leadership personality assessments, diving deep into
Federation philosophy, tasked with chapter simulations, growing as leaders
and strengthening weaknesses, learning to use one's voice, and CLI is
seeking additional participants and another year of funding if the affiliate
can consider-CLI has spent $2,451.10.

Another year for CLI was approved and the application will be available
online and the deadline will be September 1st.

 

Convention Operations:

Richmond Seminar will be taking place on January 20th and the deadline for
making reservations is January 3rd and we will be staying at the Delta Hotel
for proximity purposes.

Info for state convention will be available on the website at
nfbv.org/convention

We are seeking your help to find some sponsors and exhibitors. The
convention will be held at the Renaissance Hotel in Portsmouth beginning on
Friday, Nov. 1-Sunday, Nov. 3rd. Tidewater and Peninsula chapters will be
hosting the convention.

John Halverson, president of the Potomac Chapter will be in charge of the
bus since the affiliate would like to have a bus pick up at various points
beginning in northern Virginia, a 1-way seat and a round-trip seat will be
available for members, however, keep in mind that the Amtrak will cost $96
excluding the cost of the Uber from the train station to the hotel.

Our national rep for the state convention is 2nd VP of the NFB, Ron Brown.

Some ideas for state convention are an empowerment lunch suggested by Evelyn
Valdez and Sandy and Sarah Blumberg will gladly assist, Joe Orozco suggested
a financial literacy workshop to educate individuals of financial planning
for college students, beware of scams, accessible apps, ,Kathryn Webster
discussed having upcoming leaders and having chapter presidents in a chapter
leaders and presidents university focusing on how to run a chapter meeting,
operate a chapter and overcoming challenges, Nancy Yeager suggested the
Seniors division of having a Possibilities Fair, Annette Carr suggested
having entrepreneurs who are members come to the exhibit hall, Joe Orozco
suggested a prayer breakfast on Sunday morning, Brittany Ingram suggested
having a workshop on the logistics side of running a chapter, Jessica Reed
suggested having a breakout session for blind parents and we should attract
the southeastern part of the state, Stewart Prost suggested having experts
show us how to use social media to promote our chapters, Sean McMahon
suggested having chapters work on an accessibility issue, Kathryn Webster
suggested having a Federation Open House, Joe Orozco suggested for the
convention in 2021 either Charlottesville and Winchester, Nikki Jeffards
suggested an employment track, Kris Foley suggested on how to advocate to
organizations on how to make websites accessible,         

 

Membership:

National President Mark Riccobono was our guest and addressed some questions
from our affiliate. Questions were raised about global advocacy for blind
and hence the World Blind Union has been established; why the NFB exists as
a watchdog to oversee programs and ensuring that quality services are being
provided to blind consumers; blind federal government employees have lack of
accessibility with Share point in addition to other platforms, but it must
be brought to the attention of the committee of blind federal government
employees; the Domino's app is not accessible and they could have just
poured their money into making their website accessible instead of spending
money in media; the presidential release should be played at chapter meeting
to bring people together to have a sense of unity and togetherness;
inquiring how to engage individuals who live in rural areas of Virginia and
figuring out carpooling options and how to maximize a chapter's tools to
share with other chapters to see what is working and what is not; the code
of conduct is a framework for handling any member issues but understanding
that a member can bring an issue to the attention of the National Office or
to Tracy Soforenko; the Marrakesh Treaty allows a blind person to have
access  to material/content from other parts of the world; finally,
developing a standard for tactile graphics. 

 

Division Reports-

Scholarship: 

Patrick Johnson gave the report indicating that the scholarship applications
would be available in written and online similar to last year's process.
Deadline will be late September for applications. Application forms being
submitted via website will be discussed by the committee in October.

 

Public Outreach: 

Uricka Harrison/Corliss Jones  reported the committee will be holding a walk
with the blind on October 12 in Williamsburg as a Meet the Blind activity.
If you have an activity planned for your chapter, please email Uricka or
Corliss to let them know.

 

Seniors 

Nancy Yeager gave the report indicating that the division is working on a
Seniors Possibilities fair for state convention; the seniors division holds
a monthly conference calls on Wednesdays.

 

VABS 

Gerald Meredith reported that VABS holds their conference call the first
Thursday of the month ; Bowl with the Blind will take place in October as a
Meet the Blind activity; there will be a students meet and greet on Friday
of the state convention and lunch/elections on Saturday.   

 

Communications: Joe reported that Tracy Soforenko now will have his email
through the NFBV website.

 

The board meeting was adjourned at 3:53pm. 

 

 

 

 

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From patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com  Wed Oct 30 12:39:18 2019
From: patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com (Sarah Patnaude)
Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2019 07:39:18 -0500
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] MARK YOUR CALENDAR!  Uno @ Uno's Card Tournament
References: <007d01d58ee0$fc98f9c0$f5caed40$@verizon.net>
Message-ID: <84BB3198-CCF4-4FD6-BAA2-A64D7C329F11@yahoo.com>

 
> Announcement from the NFBV Fairfax Chapter. Please share with all of your family and friends!
>  
> MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
> Uno at Uno?s Tournament & Fundraiser
>  
> Date:  Saturday, November 16, 2019
> Time:  2:00pm ? 5:00pm
> Location:  3058 Gate House Plaza, Falls Church, VA 22042, 703-645-9590
>  
> Tournament entry fee: $10.00 per person
> Guest: $5.00
> A portion of food sales will be donated to the Fairfax Chapter
> RSVP by October  13 encouraged, walk-ins welcome.
>  
> The National Federation of the Blind Fairfax Chapter
> and
> Uno Pizzeria & Grill Falls Church, VA
>  
> Are partnering together for an afternoon of fun and some serious rounds of the popular card game, Uno.    This card game is family friendly and easy to play.  Prizes will be awarded to tournament winners. 
>  
> Don?t know how to play Uno?  Don?t worry, we will teach you how.
>  
> Additional details coming soon!
>  
> For questions and RSVP, send an e-mail to amcarr1 at verizon.net
>  
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From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Wed Oct 30 12:45:19 2019
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (tracy.soforenko at gmail.com)
Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2019 08:45:19 -0400
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] 2019 Action Auction - Final List of Items
Message-ID: <000f01d58f1f$e38d63f0$aaa82bd0$@gmail.com>

>From Jacki Brown and Laurie Wages, Auctioneers

 

Tracy Soforenko ACTION AUCTION 2019

 

Hear Ye!  Hear Ye!  The NFB of Virginia will be having an Auction at its
state convention in Portsmouth, Virginia ? November 1-3, 2019

 

Bring your donated items to the convention.  We will be accepting items on
Friday.  We?ll be auctioning a few items Friday morning at the Board
meeting.  Then just like last year there will be tables set up with the
items offered.  Other auction items will be offered in the meeting room
during the morning session on Saturday, at the Banquet Saturday Night and in
the meeting room on Sunday morning.

 

It is important for you to be at all the meetings and the banquet.
Otherwise you might miss out on your favorite auction item.  Items will be
displayed outside the main meeting room on Friday and in the main meeting
room on Saturday and Sunday.  On Friday the Action auction volunteers will
accept items for auction and describe each item to all who stop by.

 

We will accept cash, checks or debit/credit cards.  All payments need to be
received by noon on Sunday, November 3, 2019.  Individual restrictions and
expiration dates apply.  Please see the items for details.  We have many
great items and little time so we will be conducting the auction FAST! 

 

For your convenience, we have listed the items we currently have to offer.
There will be additions to this list as we expect more items to arrive.  The
items will not be presented for bid in the order of this list ? but by whim
of the Auctioneer.

 

FINAL LIST OF AUCTION ITEMS AS OF 10/30/19

(New items added after # 27):

 

1. Three boxes of homemade No-Bake Cookies and Chocolate Fudge made by
Christopher Walker (Value $30 per Box).  Donated by Christopher Walker,
Winchester Chapter.

 

2. Brand New -A Cozy Combo pink Throw & pink /white striped Sock Gift Set,
inside a white/pink Canvas 9? x 12? Tote Bag. Perfect Christmas Gift.
(Value: $35.00) Donated by Mary and Jim Green, Winchester Chapter.

 

3. Dinner for Six at Chez Sharon.  A gourmet dinner for six at the Soforenko
household awaits you.  The finest in Modern American dining and superior
wait service.  Your meal will have excellent Wine pairings and a homemade
dessert.  Ask your friends about last year?s remarkable evening! (Value:
Priceless!) Donated by President Tracy and Sharon Soforenko, Potomac
Chapter.

 

4. Purple, Lavender and White square patterned Afghan made just for you this
winter.  It has fringe on two sides and is just ready to be loved.  (Value:
$35 +)  Donated by the Chesapeake Bay Chapter.

 

5. A Gift Basket from ?HEALTH FOOD CENTERS,? (Value: $83) 1701 Colley Ave.,
Norfolk, VA. Donated by Health Food Centers: Lifefactory glass hot traveling
mug, Astragalus tea, Lyogreens green blend, Country Orchard juice pops,
Lavender blueberry granola, Alternative baking espresso chip cookie,

3 ginger shots, 3 match to go, 6 nibmor dark choc bite, and Teecinno choc
coffee tea.  Solicited by Deborah & Stewart Prost, Tidewater Chapter.

6. A New Calvin Klein Woman?s Leather Purse.  Size: Medium.  Color: Coral.
(Value: Approx.: $80.00)
Deborah Post, Tidewater Chapter.

 

7. American Brilliant Cut Crystal Cream and Sugar Set, Deep Cut in the Hob
star Pattern.  These date from around 1905 and are unique and beautiful.
You can feel the sharp clean edges.  (Value: Approx. $50.00) Donated by
Jacki and Charlie Brown, Winchester Chapter.

 

8.  An IPAD Mini 4(Wi-Fi Only) with Case Model A1538. This is a Mini 4 model
with a gray case and 7.9 inch screen.  It needs to have all the new apps
applied because it has not been used.  Please look on line for further
details on line.  It is ?new? in its case and provides up to 10 hours of
surfing on the web or listening to music. (Value: $100+)  Donated by Deborah
and Stewart Prost, Tidewater Chapter.

 

9. A Game Night Basket.  This basket will have dominos, Cards, Braille UNO,
snacks and prizes for you to hold your own Game Night.  (Value: $50.00+).
Donated by the Peninsula Chapter.

 

10. A Bamboo Mini Dumpling Steamer with a Vintage Egg Masher and a Garlic
Peeler. (Value: $25.00)  Everything for a Chinese Cooking Adventure!
Donated by Sarah Blumberg, Potomac Chapter.

 

11.  HomeBrite LED Smart Light Bulbs (5).  These light bulbs will work with
your ?Alexa? or any SMART App.  Get with it
turn on your lights by voice or
phone! (Value: $50.00+). Donated by Evelyn Valdez, Greater Alexandria
Chapter.

12. New Wamsutta Queen Sheet Set Including: 1 Queen Flat Sheet, 1 Queen
Fitted Sheet and 2 Standard Pillowcases. These sheets are 100% Cotton and
400 Thread count with Sateen weave.  Great gift for yourself or others at
Christmas! (Value: $50.00 +) Donated by Jacki and Charlie Brown, Winchester
Chapter.

 

13. Winchester Virginia Picnic Gift Basket Including: Large Jars of Apple
Butter, Pumpkin Butter, Pear Butter; 2 bottles Wine- Mountain Peach from
Mountain View Vineyard in Strasburg, VA and 2007 Governor?s White from The
Williamsburg Winery; 2 Boxes Crackers; ?Peanut Kids? large can of Sweet
Celebration Party Mix   (Cashews, Honey roasted peanuts, chocolate covered
rains, etc.);CD-?Vineyard Classics?; Waiter?s Corkscrew, Cotton Wine Towel,
2 wine glasses with 2 Wine-tapas(protects wine from bugs when outside), and
a  NFB Coin Holder from Virginia. .  (Value: $100.00+) Donated by Winchester
Chapter. 

 

14. Ice Bracelet from TouchStone Crystal (7 ??).  There is no such thing as
too much sparkle, When that sparkle is from Swarovski crystals, you know it
doesn?t get any better.  This bracelet has a continuous row of sparkling
Aurore Boreal Swarovski crystals set in rhodium.  The silver color of the
rhodium setting allows these clear crystals to reflect the colors around it.
No matter what color you wear, you know this will match.  Featured in the
Oprah Magazine, Oprah says Ice Bracelets are ?O So Fabulous!? (Value: $89).
Donated by Annette Carr, Independent consultant, TouchStone Crystal by
Swarovski. 

 

15. Coffee/Chocolate Basket. Who can resist? Contents:  Barissimo Medium
Roast coffee, Barissimo Dark Roast coffee, 2 Coffee Mugs, Moser Roth Dark
Chocolate, Milk Chocolate and Toffee Milk Chocolate. (Value: $45) Donated by
the Greater Williamsburg Chapter.

 

16. Wine and Cheese Delight Basket.   All ready for your picnic!  Contents:
Sargent Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon and Burlwood Sparkling Wine (US
Champagne), Sonoma Jack Cheese and Gouda Cheese, Savoritz Crackers, Moser
Roth Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, and Toffee Milk Chocolate, 2
Wine/Champagne Glasses, and a Wine Bottle Opener. (Value: $65+) Donated by
the Greater Williamsburg Chapter.

 

17. Three Beatles CD?s bought at the Beatles Store in Liverpool in a Beatles
Bag.  (Value: Priceless
$50+)

Donated by Sandy and John Halverson. Potomac Chapter.

 

18. A Sage Green 56? X18? 100% Cotton Pacific Waves pattern Shawl. Hand
knitted by Sandy Halverson with cotton yarn bought while in Ireland. (Value:
Priceless)

Donated by Sandy Halverson, Potomac Chapter.

19. Three Soothing Spa Time Baskets  #1.Contents: 32 Oz. Eucalyptus Creamy
Foaming Bath, 20 Oz. Cocoa & Shea Butter skin care lotion, 14 Oz. Fresh
Linen scented hand soap, Fragrant Beads room freshener-sea side cotton, 2 ?
1.8 oz. lemon ice hand sanitizers, 1 pair Sweater Socks ( size 4-11)  

#2. Content: Same as Number 1 except with 14 Oz. Lavender Fields Hand Soap. 

 #3. Contents: 21 Oz. Lavender Scented Foaming Bath Salts, Fragrant Beads-
Sea Side Cotton Air Freshener, 14 Oz. Fresh Linen Scented Hand Soap, 1 Pair
Sweater Socks (size 4-11), and a 2.28 Oz. Dove Silky Smooth Promises Milk
Chocolate Bar. (Value of Each: $15-20) Donated by Paula Kelsey, Winchester
Chapter

 

20. Two Tickets in the front row balcony for Saturday, June 27, 2020,
afternoon performance of ?HAMILTON? at the Kennedy Center. The hottest
musical on Broadway comes to Washington for a sold out performance.  Audio
description is available for this performance. These premier tickets are
only available to subscription holders.  You will be seeing the show with
Tracy and Sharon Soforenko.  (Minimum Bid is $150 per ticket).  Donated by
Tracy and Sharon Soforenko, Potomac Chapter.

 

21. Sleep Phones, the original Wireless Headphones designed for sleeping.
SleepPhones are traditional headphones made bed friendly!  Unwind with
ultra-slim, patented soft and comfortable ?headphones in a headband? that
make listening to audio in bed a dream.  Surround yourself in an ultimate
audio experience without painful ear buds or awkward headphones.  Enjoy
superior sound quality without disturbing or being disturbed by, the person
next to you. Connect with your favorite music or audio material via IPhone
Smartphones, IPods, MP3 players, computers, tablet radios, CD players and
noise machines. To use the wireless model, devices must have Bluetooth
capability for pairing.  Comes with Charger.

(Value $149) Donated by Bob and Bonnie Hart, Greater Alexandria Chapter.

 

22. 2-3 Containers of Snowflake Cookies.  These delicious cookies contain
pretzels, peanuts, cashews and Chex cereals all covered in white chocolate!
(Value: Priceless) Hand-made and Donated by Becky K., Richmond Chapter.

 

23. Your very own NFL Five-Piece Decanter and Glasses Set as licensed by NFL
Properties LLC and sold by The Bradford Exchange.   Featuring four fantastic
glasses rimmed with 12 K gold.  Each glass has your team icon on it and a
decanter with the team helmet Stopper.  It comes in a satin-lined gift box.
(Decanter measures 9? high, holds 25 oz., glasses measure 3 ?? High and hold
10 oz.)  Look them up on: www.bradfordexchange.com.   This will be delivered
to you once you win the bid.  You will contact Althea Pittman and she will
order it for you.  (Value $160 plus shipping).  Donated by Althea Pittman,
Peninsula Chapter. 

 

24. Your Fall Snack and Read Basket.  This basket is full of audio books,
CD?s, and chocolate Snicker snacks.  With such titles as ?Ireland?, John
Grisham?s ?Camino Island?, ?Tales of Villains and Avengers of the Old West,?
Patriotic Songs CD, etc. (Value$75+) Donated by Mary and Jim Green and Janet
Lincoln, Winchester Chapter. 

This 

25. A Bag full of ?Must Haves? for the Walker or Jogger. Contents:
Drawstring back pack with ?Nebo- illuminate your world? logo, Nebo Slyde
Flashlight, Large Hot/Cold Travel Mug, 2 pair crew socks and a baseball hat
? all with the Nebo logo.(Value:$60+)  Donated by JNO S Solenberger True
Value Hardware Store, Winchester, VA.

 

26. Wine Lovers Basket. Contents: Wicker basket with handles, Thirstystone
Ceramic wine Chiller, Thirstystone Faceted Marble Bottle Stopper,
Thirstystone set of 3 b/w marble handled cheese knives, Thirstystone Bottle
shape wine Tool Set, 2 Bebe 19 Oz. Stemless Wine Glasses, Wine Shop at Home
Table Red, Rose and White Wine, Wine shop at Home 2 Bottle Wine Carrier
(Wine Carrier donated by Alesia Meredith, The Purple Wine Shop @ WSAH).
(Value: $204) Donated by Virginia Association of Blind Students (VABS).

 

27. The Burly Man Wood Specialties Shop created a large ?WELCOME? sign for
you!  A perfect Christmas present. Solicited by Holly Frisch, Fredericksburg
Chapter. Donated by Burly Man Wood Specialties Fredericksburg, VA.

 

28. Two Nights Lodging with Breakfast for 2 People each morning in the Foggy
Point Restaurant at the Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel.
This can be used at a later date and is good for one year after date of
issue. (Value: $250+)  Donated by the Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk
Waterfront Hotel. 

 

29. Gift Basket of Braille Games. (Value: Priceless)

Donated by the Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel.

 

30. Two Boxes of 6 assorted Truffles in each box.  From ?For the Love of
Chocolate? in Richmond. (Value: $25+/box)  Donated by Mark and Melody Roane,
Richmond Chapter.

 

31. A collectible Christmas Bowl from the Franklin Mint: Christmas in the
Heartland Hollow Bowl by Charles Wysocki.  This has never been used. It has
a lovely Christmas scene around the bowl and a Cardinal in the center with
Love.  Makes a charming centerpiece and a great Xmas gift. (Value: $35)
donated by Jim Walker, Winchester Chapter.

 

32. A NUBRELLA.  This is a backpack type device that becomes an umbrella to
protect you from rain.  It is clear plastic that goes over your head and is
hands free!  (Check it on the web.)  (Value: $50)  Donated by Stuart and
Debbie Prost.

 

 

PLEASE
PLEASE
PLEASE:  Email Jacki at-
<mailto:jacquelinestonebrown at comcast.net> jacquelinestonebrown at comcast.net
or Phone her at 703-300-5869 with items to be donated.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT TIME has RUN OUT! However, if you have additional items, please
contact us and we might be able to accommodate.

 

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE DONATED ITEMS AND THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO
WILL BID ON THESE ITEMS. 

 

REMEMBER: THIS IS OUR ORGANIZATION AND WE MUST INVEST IN OURSELVES!

 

SEE YOU AT CONVENTION!

JACKI BROWN AND LAURIE WAGES, AUCTIONEERS

 

 

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From jsorozco at gmail.com  Thu Oct 31 01:16:14 2019
From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco)
Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2019 21:16:14 -0400
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] Reminder: Financial Education Seminar
Message-ID: <03db01d58f88$ca2cde40$5e869ac0$@gmail.com>

Dear all,

 

How comfortable do you feel with your financial management? If you had to
take an honest assessment of your spending habits, how confident would you
feel about surviving an unexpected emergency? And with so many people now
living longer beyond retirement, how secure do you feel about your finances
in your golden years? As a blind person, are you accessing the best tools to
help you manage your money?

 

Join me Friday at 2 PM in Portsmouth 5 as we kick off a financial education
initiative to help us all become more financially savvy.

 

The FBI is crashing our party! And they're going to clue us into the latest
trends in financial scams that are eagerly targeting you...

 

Also: "A couple of years ago, University of Chicago professor
<http://www.samefacts.com/2013/04/everything-else/talking-personal-finance-w
ith-helaine-olen-parts-1-and-2/> Harold Pollack did an online video chat
with personal finance writer Helaine Olen. The topic was how regular people
get steered into bad investments by financial advisers. Pollack said that
the best personal finance advice "can fit on a 3-by-5 index card, and is
available for free in the library - so if you're paying someone for advice,
almost by definition, you're probably getting the wrong advice, because the
correct advice is so straightforward."

 

"After they posted the video, the emails started pouring in - people wanted
to know, where could they get this index card? What was this fantastic yet
simple advice for managing their money?

 

"Since I was speaking metaphorically, I was kind of stuck," Pollack says.
"But I just took one of my daughter's index cards and I scribbled a bunch of
principles, and
<http://www.samefacts.com/2013/04/everything-else/advice-to-alex-m/> I took
a picture with my iPhone and I posted it on the Web."

 

"The index card got into Google's news results.
<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2013/09/16/this-4x6-index-card-
has-all-the-financial-advice-youll-ever-need/> It got into big newspapers.
Famous economists tweeted about it. Self-help sites like Lifehacker
mentioned it.

 

"In short, it went viral..." And on Friday afternoon, Sharon Soforenko will
guide you through these key principles that could dramatically change your
financial position.

 

And while we're being honest with ourselves, how good of a job are you doing
at tracking your money? Mark Roane claims he has a strategy that will easily
help you plan, organize, and follow a faithful budget, and best of all, it
doesn't even require a fancy mobile app. It's a flexible strategy you will
be able to start Friday if you so desire. And Mark being our long standing
money guy in the affiliate, he probably knows a thing or two about balancing
checkbooks.

 

Is the point to pass up every opportunity to enjoy coffee, dinner out, or
entertainment? On the contrary, it's about being financially responsible so
that you can treat yourself without feeling guilty. Our interactive
panelists later in the agenda will get into real world examples of how they
manage their money and the mistakes they learned from along the way to get
to where they are now.

 

Listen, no one is going to sell you any products or services. No one is
going to tell you their method is the only way to get good at managing
money. Most of it will come down to you, your circumstances, and what makes
sense in your situation.

 

And, if you believe this seminar really isn't for you ... well, why did you
read this far? I think you know you're curious to see what else you might be
missing in your toolbox.

 

Looking forward to seeing you there.

 

Joe

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From patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com  Thu Oct 31 02:56:12 2019
From: patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com (Sarah Patnaude)
Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2019 21:56:12 -0500
Subject: [NFBV-Announce] 2019 nfbv senior seminar agenda
References: <005901d58f8f$73a5d200$5af17600$@comcast.net>
Message-ID: <E68564E5-5C98-450C-8C89-C5C91567939B@yahoo.com>

> From Nancy Yeager
President, NFBV Senior Division


2019
NFB OF VIRGINIA CONVENTION PRESENTS
 
SENIORS IN CHARGE
 
LIVING THE LIVES WE WANT
 
Division President,  Nancy Yeager

Seminar Agenda

Portsmouth Ballrooms 7 and 8
 
12:15: Lunch and conversation
 
12:45 Business Meeting:
 
Welcome: Nancy Yeager - President, NFBV Senior Division.
 
Introduction of attendees.
 

Division Minutes and Treasurer?s Report:Sandy Halverson - Secretary/Treasurer, NFBV Senior Division; First Vice President, NFBV; Potomac Chapter, NFBV.

 

1:15 Indiana Seniors

Jean Brown?Author, Entrepreneur, very busy lady and wife of Ron Brown, our National Representative.

 

1:45  Break

 
2:00 Let?s Get Fit and have Fun: Join us as we Get Moving While sitting in Our Chairs: Mary Durbin, Virginia Beach Chapter

2:40 How We Shop and What We Eat:

Shopping with Shipp: John Halverson, President, Potomac Chapter

Get It From Peapod:  Nancy Yeager



>  
> Nancy
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